This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
On September 27, 2019, Arsenal manager Unai Emery announced that Granit Xhaka had been chosen as the team's new captain, following a players' vote.
Xhaka, a Swiss international, takes over the role from Laurent Koscielny, who had been one of the original five captains chosen by Emery last summer.
Emery consulted with his players before informing the squad of the decision, which comes ahead of the team's game at Manchester United on Monday.
Despite Xhaka facing criticism from fans and pundits alike, Emery remains confident in his ability to lead the team.
“Xhaka is mature, he has experience,” Emery said. “We are living under pressure and criticism; as a coach, as a player, as a club. The most important thing is to stand up in each moment.”
Emery believes that Xhaka has the potential to change the negative opinion surrounding him and is committed to supporting him in his new role.
