‘I Can Talk About His Leadership Qualities for Hours’ - Mikel Arteta Backs Captain Martin Odegaard

Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams recently called for coach Mikel Arteta to hand the armband to English midfielder Declan Rice instead of Martin Odegaard.

However, the manager strongly defended Odegaard's leadership qualities, revealing that the Arsenal players voted for him to remain as captain. "My opinion is clear, and it's not just my opinion. It's the opinion of the entire coaching staff and especially the players," Arteta told reporters on Friday.

"I asked them to vote for the captain and I got the results yesterday. By a considerable margin, they all chose the same person, Martin Odegaard, which is the clearest sign you can have."

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Arsenal, who last won the English title in 2004, have finished second in the Premier League in the last three seasons and haven't won a trophy since 2020. The team's inability to maintain their title challenge has raised questions about their mental strength, with Odegaard among those criticised.

Adams argued that Declan Rice might be a better captain, but Arteta emphasised that the most important thing is how the players themselves feel.

"I can talk about leadership qualities for hours," he added. Arsenal begin their new Premier League season on Sunday away to Manchester United, followed by a home game against Leeds United.

A challenging period then awaits them with matches against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Newcastle, which Arteta believes will reveal Arsenal's title credentials. Arteta confirmed that new signings Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi will be available for the match at Old Trafford.