Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has responded to public criticism from Gabriel Jesus following the Brazilian striker's move from the North London club to Barcelona.
Speaking on Friday, September 11, Arteta admitted that delivering unexpected bad news to players often produces emotional reactions, adding that he accepted taking on the role of the villain when making difficult squad decisions.
The controversy followed comments made by Jesus during an interview with SportyTV, in which the forward detailed his final weeks at Arsenal. Jesus explained that he was participating in pre-season preparations with the squad before management abruptly removed him from group training sessions.
Jesus noted that although he already knew he would likely not play or receive many opportunities, no one at the club had communicated that position to him directly. He added that as a professional he continued working with the main squad until management suddenly instructed him to train on his own before completing his transfer to Spain.
Dressing room conversation
Arteta expressed surprise at the player's public remarks, emphasizing that he had maintained a good relationship with the Brazilian striker throughout his time in London. The Arsenal manager recalled holding a private one-on-one conversation with Jesus in the dressing room prior to the move, noting that all the words spoken between them were filled with gratitude and that everything remained fine on his side.
While acknowledging that difficult decisions can generate strong reactions, Arteta explained that giving news people do not expect is a necessary part of his managerial responsibilities. He noted that what matters most is how relationships stand three or six months later, adding that past departures from Arsenal had eventually led to good ongoing relationships and expressing hope that the same would happen with Jesus.
Career context and reunion in London
Gabriel Jesus completed his four-year tenure at Arsenal having scored 32 goals in 123 appearances across all competitions for the English club. The 29-year-old international forward began his professional career in South America with Brazilian club Palmeiras, winning the Copa do Brasil and the national league title before moving to English football in 2017. During a five-year spell at Manchester City, Jesus won four Premier League titles, three League Cups, and an FA Cup under manager Pep Guardiola prior to joining Arsenal in July 2022.
Mikel Arteta has served as Arsenal head coach since December 2019, having previously captained the club as a midfielder during a five-year playing career in London. After retiring from playing in 2016, the Spanish manager gained coaching experience as assistant manager to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, working directly with Jesus at the Etihad Stadium. Arsenal play their home matches at the 60,000-capacity Emirates Stadium in Islington, North London, and compete in the English Premier League.
Champions League debut with Barcelona
FC Barcelona, who compete in Spain's top division La Liga and play their home matches in Catalonia, finalized Jesus's transfer during the summer window. The striker made a swift impression for his new team by scoring a goal in Barcelona's 5-1 victory against Dutch club Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League.
The UEFA Champions League is the top annual tournament for European club football, organized by continental governing body UEFA. Opponents Feyenoord, based in Rotterdam, are one of the traditional major clubs in the Netherlands competing in the Dutch Eredivisie.
