Mikel Arteta believes rebuilding a connection between the team and the fans would be a ‘powerful’ thing, as he prepares the side for the visit of Chelsea to the Emirates on Sunday.
Things have been contentious at times, it’s fair to say, as performances and results have declined. From being hot favorites to finish in the top four back in April, the Gunners now find themselves adrift in mid-table, and that’s obviously going to cause frustration.
The rookie head coach knows he’s got a big job on his hands with the players, but also sees Arsenal fans as part of his thinking too.
“First I need to convince the players and then, if I can convince the players, afterwards we can convince the fans,” he said.
“I think it’s very, very important in my job. At the end of the day they’re expecting a lot from us.
“We have to give them enjoyment, we have to make their lives better and, when we win, it will be better because they will be happier. It’s our responsibility and we have to do everything we can to achieve that.”
As with the performance on the pitch at the Vitality Stadium on Thursday, the new boss was encouraged by the interaction between supporters and players.
“I was really pleased with how the fans treated the players, and I was happy that the players went to see the fans after the game as well because we need that connection,” he continued.
“Slowly, we need to build that back to where it was. It’s going to be very powerful for us to use that.”
Arsenal lies 11th in the Premier League table with just one win in their last five league matches.