Arsenal legend Tony Adams made the headline this week by stripping Gunners boss Mikel Arteta with captain Martin Odegard and telling Declan Rice to give him an armband
Martin Odegard stubbornly defended his role as Arsenal captain after stabbing criticism from Tony Adams. The club’s legendary Adams targeted the 26-year-old Odegard by insisting that he would not win a Premier League title as long as the gunners are captains.
The former Arsenal skipper urged Mikel Arteta to give his teammate Declan Rice an armband, suggesting that the change would allow Odegard to play with more freedom. However, Adams will not go his way after being overwhelmed by the Norwegian remaining as captain for the 2025-26 season.
Now, Odegard responded to Adams in a previous interview with Manchester United on Sunday’s Curtain Razor. Asked about his leadership style, the midfielder explained to Sky Sports:
“There are always these little things you have to do, and in general it’s how to make the most of your team and give your team the right mindset.
“I think there’s a lot of different people talking about the pitch before the match, I’m just a little (team talk) and in the dressing room. It’s not just me, there are a lot of people who share responsibility, but the manager also does a lot. That’s what was shared. It’s not just me, it’s always me.”
read more: Jurrien Timber makes a bold Arsenal prediction after third consecutive second finishesread more: Ebe Kieze “miss Crystal Palace Match” after the £68 million transfer clause expires
Adams admitted that Odegard was not the captain of his “kindness” at the event for the Irish independent. “Cole is about captaining Declan Rice,” the former gunner defender began with a plea to Arteta.
“I think Declan is my kind of captain. Odegard might be free to play a little more freedom. As a manager, you need to put someone who reflects you.
“He (Arteta) has actually got the opportunity to turn into a winner this year. To win a league title, you have to be (Jurgen) Klopp. You have to be (Alex IR) Ferguson. You have to lead by example. You have to be a winner.
Do you agree with Tony Adams? Please speak in the comments section.
“And I see Declan Rice as captain, and I say to Arteta, come on, step up now, it’s time for you to be the winner manager and a great manager.
However, Arteta believes there is something “unquestionable” that Odegard should be the captain. “Well, my opinion is clear, and it’s not just my opinion, but all the staff and especially the players,” explained the Gunners boss.
“I asked them to vote for Captain, and I got results yesterday. And in a mile, a big, 100 miles, everyone is choosing the same person. This is the most obvious sign you can have.
“It’s how they feel about who has to be captain to defend, improve, and win the games we want to win. So I don’t think I have any doubts about that.”
Join the new WhatsApp community and receive a daily amount of mirror football content. We also treat community members with special offers, promotions and advertising. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, you can read the privacy notice.
Sky Sports Discount Premier League and EFL Packages
£43
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has cut the prices of Essential TV and Sky Sports bundles ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering over 1,400 live matches in the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, showing an even greater increase of up to 100.
