Arteta says he “always defends” Arsenal players after Klopp’s saliva – “That’s who I am”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has insisted he always defend his players with Liverpool opponent Jürgen Klopp.

The two men clashed during Gunners ’Premier League 4-0 defeat at Anfield last Saturday when the Spaniard was furious about Sadio Mane’s challenge to Takehiro Tomiyasu and the German was unhappy with his reaction.

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Asked if it was good for players to see his passion, Arteta replied, “I don’t know. That’s who I am. If I feel like it, I react and if I feel like I have to defend my players, I do it.

“It’s part of our character. You have to be spontaneous and do what you do. I always defend my club, my team and the players on the field.

The loss to Liverpool ended Gunners‘The unbeaten run of 10 matches overall and served as a kind of reality check.

However, what he saw in the locker room immediately after, delighted Artetta.

Asked about the reactions he has received in rehearsals this week, he replied: “Not only there, I really liked the reaction we already had in Anfield’s locker room after the game and how some players showed leadership and described the events. A really honest way and waited forward.

– There are always bumps on the road. There are results, there are injuries, there are things you have to deal with, and I really like how the team has reacted over the course of the week.

Arteta has challenged his player to channel this disappointing match into Saturday’s unbeaten Newcastle, which is now under new leadership with Eddie Howe, who is currently in isolation after receiving a positive Covid-19 test and replacing Steve Bruce as head coach.

The cannon boss has already noticed a shift in focus after seeing last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Brentford, but is determined to continue the Magpies ’miserable record at the Emirates, where they have lost every last nine league visits.

He said: “Let’s continue. But it’s a new game, apparently there will be some changes, you can see that the pace of its construction is different.

“You also see the last game they played, you see different things, the new Manager, the new coaching staff, so be prepared.”

Meanwhile, Arteta has soon reminded his contract players, including striker Alexandre Lacazette, of what he expects of them after demanding negotiations on new contracts will not happen before the end of the season.

He said, “The requirements don’t change whether you have a six-month or a six-year contract. You’re still working at the club, you’re here because you’re ready to be here and you have to perform. Nothing different can be expected from anyone. “