Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Martin Odegaard will continue as the team’s captain despite recent criticisms and calls for a change. The remarks came ahead of Arsenal’s final Champions League group stage match against Kairat Almaty on Wednesday.
Some pundits have suggested players like Declan Rice or Gabriel Magalhaes could be better suited for the captaincy, especially after Odegaard was substituted early in the second half of recent games. However, Arteta clarified that these changes were due to match circumstances, not leadership concerns.
The Arsenal boss highlighted that Odegaard has faced injury challenges, including two shoulder injuries and a six-week absence due to a knee issue, which influenced his playing time. Arteta emphasized that tactical adjustments, rather than captaincy doubts, dictated his recent decisions.
He reassured fans and the media that Odegaard remains a trusted leader on and off the pitch, with no plans to strip him of the armband. Arsenal continues to back their Norwegian midfielder in both domestic and European competitions.
