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Former Arsenal captain William Gallas has criticised Mikel Arteta ’s handling of Raheem Sterling, arguing that the Arsenal manager’s use of the winger proves he is not a world-class coach.
Arteta’s decision to sign Sterling on loan from Chelsea on the final day of the summer transfer window raised eyebrows, given that the 30-year-old had fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge. The move was seen as a low-risk acquisition, with Sterling expected to provide backup for Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard.
However, despite injuries to Saka and Martinelli at different points in the season, Sterling has struggled to break into Arteta’s plans, with the manager often overlooking him even when Arsenal needed attacking reinforcements. The England international has seen his minutes limited, with teenager Ethan Nwaneri even surpassing him in the pecking order.
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Sterling’s frustration reached a low point last weekend when Arteta left him on the bench as Arsenal pushed for a late winner against Manchester United. Instead of calling upon the experienced winger, Arteta deployed left-back Kieran Tierney in an advanced attacking role.
Raheem Sterling (Image credit: Getty Images)Though Sterling responded with a standout performance in midweek—providing two assists in Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven—Gallas believes the display has come too late to secure a permanent move to the Emirates.
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“Arteta brings in players and puts them on the bench. He never gives them a chance,” Gallas told Prime Casino.
William Gallas (Image credit: Getty Images)“Why did you bring in Sterling? Everybody knew he didn’t have the same quality he showed at Liverpool and Manchester City. But when you signed him at the start of the season, you never gave him a chance.
“When you should have been rotating, you never gave him minutes on the wing. Instead, you kept him on the bench, always used the same players, and now they’re tired while Sterling’s confidence has completely evaporated.
“That’s why I say Arteta is a good coach, but not top-class—not world-class.”
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