Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has issued a warning to Mikel Arteta that he could be fired if the Gunners do not finish in the top four. Arteta is in his third full season as manager and has yet to clinch the club’s desired Champions League qualification.
Last season, the Gunners appeared to be bound for fourth place, only to fall out at the hands of arch rivals Tottenham.
Arteta has since received support in the transfer market, with Arsenal bringing in Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus this summer, increasing the expectation on them to succeed this season.
Why Is Arteta Being Issued Arsenal Sack Warning?
Gallas stated in an interview with Genting Casino that Arteta’s position would be jeopardised if Arsenal failed to finish in the top four.
“Of course he will be in trouble. Arteta has been asked to make the top four and he didn’t do it last season,” he said.
“If Arsenal don’t play in the Champions League next season, it would cause a lot of drama. They have to have a great season, possibly win the Premier League, but definitely to qualify for the Champions League.
“They have just bought new players, it’s in the hands of Arteta and the players. It will be a big problem for all of them if they don’t do their job to qualify in the Champions League.”
When Was The Last Time Arsenal Qualified For The Champions League?
The Gunners last competed in Europe’s top club competition in 2016-17, after finishing third in the Premier League the previous season.
They started off well, topping Group A ahead of PSG, Ludogorets, and Basel. However, as has been the case in the past, the knockout stages proved to be a bridge too far.
Arsenal were dealt a challenging last-16 tie against Bayern Munich and were thrashed. A 5-1 defeat at the Allianz Arena in the first leg all but guaranteed Bayern’s position in the quarter finals, but that didn’t stop them from handing the Gunners another 5-1 humiliation in the return encounter.
Related: Arteta “Surprised” By Gabriel Jesus’ Contribution To Arsenal
What Did Gallas Say On William Saliba?
Gallas also spoke on his compatriot and namesake, William Saliba, who made his Arsenal debut last Friday against Crystal Palace.
“Saliba is a really good player. He had a great season at Marseille, now he’s back at Arsenal, it is a big step,” he said.
“He will show what he can really do. Last season he was upset to leave Arsenal on loan. When I look at him, he reminds me of a player I used to play against, and that player is Rio Ferdinand.
“If you look at how Saliba plays, and how Rio did when he was young, they have the same style. I didn’t say he will have the same career, but I hope he does. He just has a similar style to Ferdinand.
“I think Saliba will surprise a lot of people, as he plays more games and gains more confidence, because he has pressure on his shoulders, he’s still so young and has much to prove, he will be even better.”
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