Inside the Tense Moment Between Declan Rice and Arsenal Coach Albert Stuivenberg—Mikel Arteta Breaks His Silence
Arsenal’s camp had a bit of a fireworks show backstage at Stamford Bridge recently, as tensions flared between midfielder Declan Rice and assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg. The duo didn’t shy away from a spirited exchange caught on camera just as the second half was about to kick off in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea. Emotions were undeniably boiling over, especially with England’s Rice deeply involved in the thick of it. But before the rumor mill spins out of control, manager Mikel Arteta stepped up to assure everyone that the dust has settled fast, smoothing over what looked like a potentially disruptive spat. As the Gunners prepare for a demanding week ahead, unity on and off the pitch will be crucial – and Arteta seems determined to keep the ship steady. LEARN MORE
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has addressed a confrontation between midfielder Declan Rice and assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg.
Rice and Stuivenberg were caught on camera while engaged in a passionate discussion in the tunnel at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Arteta says Arsenal ‘issue has been settled’ after Chelsea drama
“The pair were seen in a heated exchange in the Stamford Bridge tunnel, with Rice clearly agitated, but Arteta assures that the issue has been settled,” reports the Express.
The manager was asked about the ‘animated disagreement’ when he spoke to reporters in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
“All sorted, all good,” Arteta said. “The good thing is that by the time I found out the problem was resolved so that’s very good.
Gabriel Magalhaes served as peacemaker while Rice appeared to express some forthright opinions before Stuivenberg stepped out of the tunnel. The pair looked to have made up by the end of the game.
Arsenal were a goal to the good at half time in the first leg and a Viktor Gyokeres goal four minutes into the second half surely helped to ease any tensions between the pitch and the dugout.
Martin Zubimendi scored in between two Alejandro Garnacho goals in a 3-2 Gunners win that puts them in the driving seat ahead of their home leg, making them favourites for a Wembley appearance in March.
The Gunners are at the start of a busy week and unity is required. On Saturday, they take on a Forest team expected to look to frustrate them from kick-off. If Manchester City beat Manchester United at lunchtime, Arsenal will be defending a three-point lead.
Tuesday’s visit to Inter Milan in their penultimate league phase match in the Champions League will be a rather less pressurised affair.
Arsenal have won all six of their European matches this season, putting them three points and goal difference clear at the top of the single table. They’re all but qualified for the round of 16, in which they’ll be seeded, and could confirm first place with a win in Milan depending on Bayern Munich’s result at PSV.
If their positioning in all four competitions comes at the cost of a little tension in spicy moments, you’d have to think Arteta is just fine with that arrangement for now.
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