Mikel Arteta responds to Edu and Pep Guardiola messages ahead of Southampton clash

Mikel Arteta has sent a defiant message ahead of the Premier League clash against Southampton. Gunners are currently sitting in 15th place of the league table, while the last 1 - 0 defeat to Burnley has increased the pressure on the club boss. There have been reports that some Arsenal players were unhappy after Arteta's criticism over Xhaka following the midfielder's red card in the last weekend's loss. And ahead of the Saints match, the manager was asked if his players were still behind him to which he answered: "My feeling is yes but this is a question for them obviously. "Again, when I see the reaction and the way they try there's not one bit that worries me that they're not trying their best, that's for sure." Arteta also responded to technical director Edu's and Pep Guardiola's supportive messages. "In terms of Edu and Pep [Guardiola] they're obviously showing their appreciation because in good moments it's very easy but in difficult moments when you have people like them giving you support and probably two people who know very well what we've been through here, obviously it's very much appreciated," he added. "I feel the pressure all the time and there have been some difficult moments. This is our reality right now and we have to face it, be brave and fight it, with no one giving up or anything, because this is not a time to hide, it is a time to put your face and body on the line."

Source: Hampshire Live

*Join us on Telegram!

Arsenal loanee set to return early as he ‘did not meet Atletico expectations’