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How Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has ‘surprised’ Shkodran Mustafi
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta took charge at the Emirates Stadium in December and his arrival has sparked a return in form for Shkodran Mustafi.
Mustafi demonstrates his skill as he washes his hands
Arsenal ace Shkodran Mustafi admits he has been pleasantly “surprised” by Mikel Arteta’s man-management skills. Despite having no previous managerial experience, the former Gunners midfielder was confirmed as Unai Emery’s full-time replacement last December. He was previously Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.
Arteta has won eight out of 15 games as Arsenal boss, leading the team up to ninth in the Premier League table and into the FA Cup quarter-finals before professional football ground to a halt as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mustafi has greatly benefited from the Spaniard’s arrival, working his way back into favour and form before the Premier League suspension.
While he is still cutting his teeth in the managerial game, Arteta’s man-management skills have impressed the Germany international.
"I've played more regularly under Mikel Arteta, also in the Premier League. That has really helped me. I feel very good. I understand his style of football, how he likes to play, that really fits me," Mustafi told Sky in Germany.
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"The way he is at his age, that has really surprised me, I don't know if after four years, I could be that serious and have a charisma like his to lead a team.
"He is managing that very well. I feel that in this short amount of time I already learned some new things that help my game.
"I can imagine continuing to play for him. But we still don't know about the future. There are still many question marks."
Mustafi, who has one more year to run on his contract, was made available for transfer last summer by Emery.
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Arsenal remain likely to upgrade in defence when the season does end and the transfer window subsequently opens.
Mustafi, however, is aware that the coronavirus outbreak is of greater importance than his future at the club.
"We are in a situation where everyone is worried about the current situation and not so much about their personal future," he added.
"First of all, I would like to play football again. That's how we all feel, we want to get back onto the pitch. There are so many question marks at the moment.
"Euro 2020 has been postponed. There are so many discussions whether we can even finish the season or not.
"So it is difficult to think about my personal future. None of us know what will happen next and when we can play again.
"So once we have overcome this difficult time and are back on the pitch, I can think about questions like that.
"At the moment I don't think about it. Also the club has more important stuff to deal with right now than my future."