What Mikel Arteta said about joining Arsenal in 2019 explains why he stormed out of Sky Sports interview

Mikel Arteta has made headlines after storming out of his interview with Sky Sports, following the 1-1 draw between Arsenal and Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Spaniard was visibly tetchy throughout his chat with Patrick Davison, and began to walk out when asked if he regrets not signing a striker in the winter transfer window.

Then, the man from Donostia was briefly stopped to be asked about the Premier League title race – Arsenal are now 15 points behind Liverpool – a question which seemed to tip him over the edge as he stormed out.

While emotions are always high at the end of a football game – regardless of the level – the reaction by Mikel Arteta is understandable when you consider how he felt upon joining Arsenal in December 2019.

What Mikel Arteta said about replacing Unai Emery at Arsenal

Based on these comments, the overriding emotion Arteta felt during that interview with Sky Sports was one of guilt – as he may feel the Arsenal fanbase have been let down.

Letting people down is exactly what the 42-year-old wanted to avoid when arriving at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking about how he felt upon taking the reins at Arsenal, Arteta told the BBC: “I just wanted to make sure I didn’t disappoint anybody, that I was capable of doing it. I was, probably, terrified.

“You haven’t coached anybody at the highest level, it was the middle of season, without any preparation, without a coaching staff, you get asked to take this amazing and big job.”

Over four years on from his appointment in December 2019, Arteta, whose job is safe, is yet to deliver anything other than the FA Cup – ignoring the FA Community Shield – so his emotional interview with Sky Sports was arguably a result of the pressure he feels, and his strong desire not to let anybody down.

Mikel Arteta has to take emotion out of the situation

The greatest managers throughout Premier League history have been ruthless – and almost emotionless – at times with their decision making.

Pep Guardiola famously cast Joe Hart – a club legend – aside as soon as he arrived at Manchester City, while even Roy Keane was forced out by Sir Alex Ferguson after criticising his own teammates.

In regards to Arteta, who could sign Dusan Vlahovic, the Spaniard seems too caught up in trying to bring the Premier League title back to Arsenal for the first time since 2004 – and is almost going backwards in his project as desperation seemingly creeps in.