‘He has a lot to offer’: Arteta rules out Jesus leaving in January
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The Madrid manager arrived in the Spanish capital with much fanfare but has recorded just two wins in seven games since returning from international break, sparking speculation as to who will replace him at the Bernabéu.
As a result, Arteta will be sought after by the biggest clubs in world football.
Lawrence feels Arteta and Alonso are too similar to make that switch now, but he can envision a future in the dugout of other clubs where the Gunners manager has played in the past.
Asked by Andy Goldstein on TNT Sports’ Friday Night Live if Arteta would be involved in discussions about his role at Madrid, Lawrence said: “I would say yes given his level.”
“But you are adopting the same managerial profile as Xabi Alonso, who was sacked because he was not working.
“If they were to sack Alonso, I think they would go in a completely different direction. They would go towards a profile like Carlo Ancelotti rather than Mikel[Arteta]. Mikel is like Xabi Alonso.”
“In that sense, when you think about structure and organization and all that kind of stuff, they’re twins.
“So if he were to leave Arsenal, he would attract the attention of top clubs, for example Barcelona, where he obviously played before, or PSG, where he also played before.
“I think he is that good and he will win a trophy one day. I don’t know if it will be this season at Arsenal or after that, but I think he is that good.”
Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League in each of the last three seasons and reached the Champions League semi-finals last season for the first time since 2009.
After a successful summer period that saw Victor Gokeres, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Cristian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi, Piero Hincapie and Kepa Arrizabalaga arrive at the Emirates, the Gunners have impressed throughout the campaign.
A spate of injuries has eroded their lead at the top of the Premier League and Lawrence believes it is the only thing that can stop them winning the title.
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Highlights: Maduke’s performance as Arsenal beat Brugge
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Asked if he was surprised by Arsenal winning the title, he added: “Personally, I’m not. I think you’ve seen the progress, especially over the last three years.”
“I know they were close in the league and I understand that second place is not good enough, but you have seen how he develops the players individually and as a team as a whole to get to this level and get to this level, because they are a machine.
“I think about what he wants from them, and sometimes I’m maybe a little too demanding, but I think about what he wants from them, day by day, hour by hour.
“But he’s that type of coach and he looks at everything they do on the practice field and in games.
“I still think injuries are the only thing that can stop them, but that’s the same for everyone, not just Arsenal.
“But they have a little bit of history from the past few seasons and the beginning of this season, so I think that’s the only thing that can derail that car for me.”
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