This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
September 27, 2019
Arsenal manager Unai Emery has chosen Granit Xhaka as the club's new captain, a decision that has sparked debate among fans.
Emery, who took a vote from his players before making the decision, hopes to change the 'outside' perceptions of Xhaka, who has been criticized for his performances since joining the club in 2016.
"First he's mature, he has experience," Emery said. "We are living under pressure, under criticism, as a coach, as a player, as a club. But really the most important thing is to stand up each moment, go ahead with his qualities, with his behaviour, with his commitment."
In the dressing room the players voted him as the first (in the leadership group). I know, I spoke with him, we want to change that opinion outside. That respect he has inside is very, very important.
Emery's decision to name Xhaka captain has been met with skepticism by some fans, who would like to see him dropped for a central midfield pairing of Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira.
However, Emery insists that the captaincy will not influence his team selection, saying "The performance is giving me the next first XI, the next players to play, not the captains."
