Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed recent comments from Joshua Kimmich regarding the Gunners’ style of play, insisting that relying on a direct approach is not unique to Arsenal.
Kimmich, speaking after Bayern Munich’s 3-1 loss at the Emirates in Wednesday’s Champions League fixture, claimed Arsenal leaned too heavily on set-pieces and long balls. He suggested Bayern faced more fluent opposition in PSG, adding:
“Arsenal do not play football but try to win games by every means possible.”
Addressing the remarks at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta remained composed, emphasizing that match styles reflect each team’s approach:
“I think the way both teams play, I think the way they played against PSG was very similar. When everything becomes man-to-man, with the way they are with their full-backs, the way we rotate, it creates a game with long sequences of passes.
“So I know what he’s saying, and that’s fine. It’s part of the game. The style is provoked by how both teams play, so it’s very understandable.”
Arsenal now turn their focus to the Premier League, travelling to Stamford Bridge to face second-placed Chelsea on Sunday.
