Tony Adams has criticised Mikel Arteta’s leadership approach at Arsenal after the manager allowed players to decide whether Martin Odegaard should remain captain. The former defender questioned whether this method reflects strong managerial authority within a high-performance environment in the modern game and leadership debate.
Odegaard has at times been overshadowed in leadership discussions by Declan Rice, with Adams previously sparking debate during the summer by suggesting Rice should be appointed captain. He argued that the England international displays stronger leadership qualities and should take on the armband within elite-level football environments today at the highest level.
Leadership Debate at Arsenal
The decision over the captaincy involved a player vote, with the majority reportedly choosing to retain Odegaard as captain. Adams has suggested that this approach undermines managerial responsibility, implying that such decisions should be made firmly by the manager rather than influenced by squad preference.
He questioned the logic of consultation, arguing that players are unlikely to reject a popular teammate in such a setting. Adams also indicated that leadership structure should be clearly defined by the manager to maintain authority and cohesion within the squad.
Arteta’s Managerial Approach Questioned
Adams also expressed scepticism about the process, suggesting it weakens the manager’s role in setting standards and accountability. He believes that clear leadership decisions help create stronger bonds and clearer hierarchies within a successful team environment, particularly in squads competing for major honours consistently and maintaining high standards throughout season campaigns.
Adams also reflected on the captaincy discussion, speaking about Arteta’s decision-making approach, as reported by Football365:
“After I made the comment about Odegaard before the start of the season, Arteta went to the players and said: ‘Who do you want as captain?’ “And they all went…well, they’re not going to say it to him, are they? They said: ‘We love Odegaard. Hooray. “Why do you need the manager then? You pick your captain, you get your rapport, you have got your vice-captains and stuff and you create a bond.’
Despite this criticism, Mikel Arteta continues to operate with a leadership style that has been in place since he arrived at the club. His approach has been backed internally and has delivered progress, and he is expected to continue trusting the structure that has brought stability and competitiveness while continuing to be trusted by the club leadership structure overall, moving forward this season.
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Can not argue with big Tone.
Tony’s right, the manager should select the captain. I have always said Rice should have been made captain, he is much more vocal than Odergaard and does lead by example. Straight after the match he mouthed “This is not over” to a distraught Odergaard. Defiance and resolve is what we need, not silence.
Silly and useless comments made by Adams. Arsenal have a reasonable process for selecting the captain.
In the last two games that Rice captained Arsenal won neither of them. Rice’s performance in the last game was Ok but not particularly inspirational in one of the most important games of the season.
😂
David,
When fit, how many games has captain fantastic (Odegaard), performed in.
An elite group of individuals thrive through democracy and consultations rather than dictator-based authoritative approach. Reason why Arsenal is strangling is because they didn’t reinforce during January transfer while City did All this noise would have been dusted
I can see both sides of the coin
One is the manager is supposed to live up to his title and two, by putting it out to the team to decide, it gives those not confident in taking it on to vote for someone else or as a group who they think is better equipped
I don’t
In my view, this is not the time for an ex-player particularly one who is so revered to be pontificating on how the captain should be chosen and who it should be.
Arsenal aren’t some kind of basket case completely devoid of leadership. Also, other successful teams have chosen captains in a variety of ways. It can be the manager’s choice or the players can be given the opportunity to decide.
The team have had their setbacks and what some of us would expect from a former player is to support the team or keep quiet rather than wade in with these types of unhelpful comments.
One thing I would say on this subject is that Saka is definitely not Captain material.
Did I not see Declan Rice telling Odegaard “It’s not over,” whilst our captain was hanging his head? What message does it send when our captain is hanging his head, and another player has to step in?
Explains a lot about the mentality around the club. Rather than a “silent” leader like Odegaard, this squad need a Vieira type leader who won’t hold back with the hair dryer treatment and rockets when necessary.
Rice would be a good leader, Gabriel loses his cool too often to be a leader or captain.
I think that is peeps trying to look for things to fault
It’s such a complex matter in management style, it’s neither here nor there. However I prefer Adams’ approach. From a player perspective it might be that they could feel going for Rice would in essence mean letting the manager and Odegaard down. The elements of peer pressure is also at play, team dynamics can serve a severe blow to the results output.
Tony is right the manager will take the flag at the end, and the supporter bare the cost of being rediculed if Arteta’s soft shy away approach fulters. I feel we need renewal in his department even if he wins the CL and the PL?