Jens Lehmann says he ‘doesn’t even know who is in charge’ at Arsenal in brutal assessment of club structure under manager Mikel Arteta – and ‘things were much better’ in Arsene Wenger’s final year
- Jens Lehmann spent five years at Arsenal, winning the league title in 2003/04
- Arsenal were as low as 15th over Christmas after losing eight of their first 14
- But six wins in their last 10 has seen them move within six points of the top six
- Lehmann has questioned Arteta’s role, saying it seems to be a lot about him
- He added that Arsenal were in better shape during Arsene Wenger’s final year
In a stern assessment of Mikel Arteta’s tenure at Arsenal, Jens Lehmann says that things at the club were a lot better in Arsene Wenger’s last year as manager in north London, adding that he’s unsure of who makes the decision at the club.
The former Gunners goalkeeper voiced his concerns on the All To Play For podcast, after what has been a disappointing campaign for Arsenal so far this season.
Arteta’s side were a slow as 15th going into the Christmas period after a run of eight defeats from their first 14 matches, raising genuine concerns that the side were being dragged into a relegation battle.
Jens Lehmann won a Premier League title and an FA Cup during his five years at Arsenal
But six wins in their last 10 has seen them climb into the top half of the table. They’re now just six points off the sixth-placed champions Liverpool.
It hasn’t stopped Lehmann from criticising Arteta, who took over as head coach in December 2019.
‘I think Mikel Arteta is a good coach but it seems to be a lot about him,’ Lehmann said.
‘I am not sure there is the right blend at the club.
‘When I was there, David Dein worked incredibly well with Arsene Wenger on the administration side of the club. Now, it is very different.
‘You don’t even know who is in charge there and who is making the decisions.
Lehmann is used to enjoying success at Arsenal. He won the Premier League title and an FA Cup during his five years at the club, before returning as an assistant coach under former boss Wenger.
Despite being 15th at Christmas, a resurgence in form has seen Mikel Arteta’s side up to 10th
That was Wenger’s last year at the club following a trophy-laden 22 years at the helm, but Lehmann thinks the club have taken a step backwards since the Frenchman departed.
‘I was there as a coach in Arsene’s final year and he was criticised and told it was time to leave.
‘Things were much better in that final year than they are now.
‘As a former player, I want the club to do well so it is hard to see them struggling as they are doing.’
Arteta’s side will be put to the test tomorrow when they face runaway league leaders Manchester City at the Emirates – Pep Guardiola’s side aiming for a 13th league victory in a row.
Lehmann joined Arsenal as an assistant manager in Arsene Wenger’s final year at the club
