Martin Odegard did not take the time to issue a statement of his intentions after his qualifications for captain at Arsenal were raised in question.
Arsenal skipper Martin Odegard has given Tony Adams a full response to his recent call to be replaced as the club’s captain. That’s after the Norwegians enjoyed a performance fitting for the leadman in Arsenal’s fierce battle 1-0 victory at Manchester United on Sunday.
Gunner traveled to Old Trafford after club legend Adams suggested that Arsenal would “not win the league with Odegard as captain.” The retired defender, who won four league titles at Arsenal and captained the team for 14 years, suggested that the midfielder is not the man to end the club’s Premier League drought after three consecutive runner-ups.
Speaking on a recent live recording of the Indian Sports Podcast, Adams said: “I see Declan Rice as a captain, but he said, “Step up now. As captain, you won’t win the league at Odegard, so it’s your time to be the winner manager and become a great manager.” ”
read more: Tony Adams urges Mikel Arteta to strip captain Martin Odegard with a brutal assessmentread more: Martin Odegaard responds to Arsenal legend that Mikel Arteta should not be captain
Odegaard then responded to these comments and gave him insight into how he was trying to inspire his team. However, he saved the most appropriate response to his trip to Old Trafford on Sunday, where he delivered the Leader’s exhibit under great pressure.
The 26-year-old played a key role in spurting Arsenal out of some scuffs and firing his sides in numerous quick transitions. He also made five clearances – only William Saliba (7) made more among Arsenal players – and did a good job of calming the mind when United seemed to make guests uneasy.
Manager Mikel Arteta also came to the Captain’s defense after holding Odegard as a skipper. He recently revealed that the issue was decided by club-wide votes, and there was a heavy consensus that the former Real Madrid man would lead by their choice.
“My opinion is clear, and it’s not just my opinion. It’s all the staff and players in particular,” Arteta told reporters ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League opener. “I asked them to vote for the captain and I got the results yesterday.
“A mile away, 100 big miles, everyone chose the same person, Martin Odegard, and this is the most obvious sign you can have.
“There is a (voting) every year, especially since (people) changes so much, and we change leadership groups, because there are no players we were doing right now, so we need to reestablish that.
Sunday’s Premier League Curtain Razor is, of course, the first step to truly prove that Odegard is the guy who brings Arsenal to silverware. But winning one of the club’s biggest nets over the opening weekend of a new season is not a bad way to get started.
Speaking to Sky Sports before visiting Old Trafford, Odegard was asked about Adams’ criticism, resulting in a typical mature response.
“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 before the match, just the pitch (team talk) and in the dressing room. It’s not just me, there are a lot of people who share responsibility, but the manager does a lot too. That’s what was shared. It’s not just me, it’s just me.”
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.
