Arsenal news: Mikel Areta is proof that work takes time to bear 'fruit' says Ruben Amorim
- Planet Sport writer
- 8 March 2023
Sporting coach Ruben Amorim believes Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta has set a “benchmark” for managers who are facing a tough time.
Arteta takes his side to face Sporting in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday night with the Gunners sat five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The Spaniard survived a barren run of results last season which saw some sections of the fanbase call for him to be sacked.
The club, however, stuck by Arteta and have reaped the benefits this season as Arsenal go in search of a first league title in 19 years.
"The manager of Arsenal is a benchmark," Amorim said on the eve of the clash.
"In our first season, we won the league then we were runners-up and we qualified for the Champions League last 16.
"This year we are struggling, Mikel Arteta was an example because he was able to withstand the pressure which is unbearable in a team in the Premier League and now he is bearing the fruits.
"It is important for fans to understand that to pick up the fruits from your work you have to wait."
Defender Jerry St Juste will be aiming to keep the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli quiet.
The 26-year-old centre-back faces a tough battle but is looking forward to the challenge.
"We - the team and the staff - think this is a great match to play," he said.
"Arsenal is top of the Premier League and I think we, the team, want to measure ourselves against the best in Europe.
"We will face an Arsenal that wants to win, is fresh, and has a lot of quality on the ball.
"They have a lot of quality and they prove that weekly at the highest level so 100 per cent it's going to be exciting."
