GUNNERS boss hails German as ‘real leader’ while answering fan questions at AGM
ARSENE WENGER insists Per Mertesacker is a “real leader” and is the right man to captain the Gunners.
The French boss was answering questions from fans at the club’s AGM on Monday.
Mertesacker, who helped Germany win the World Cup in 2014, has been out injured all season.
And with the form of Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi at the heart of the defence, the big German is unlikely to feature in the starting XI upon his return.
That led to one Arsenal fan to ask Wenger to “explain why do you always seem to pick captains that never start, surely you would want your number one captain on the pitch?”
The Gunners boss, who watched his side be held to a goalless draw by Middlesbrough on Saturday, backed his skipper to retain the armband.
He also revealed the reason why the 32-year-old was handed the role.
Wenger said: “He is a real leader and respected by everybody.
“We [also] have assistant captains – Koscielny and Cazorla.”
He added: “I have a group of leaders, five in the team and we can rotate quite easily.
“Mertesacker was chosen before he was injured and he has real authority whether he plays or not and high standards of quality of behaviour.”
The experienced defender was made captain after Mikel Arteta’s retirement last summer. He is currently sidelined with a knee injury that required surgery shortly after his appointment.
“It’s a big punch in the face, that’s what I said to the boys, and…
Ferran Torres rose highest to head home Lamine Yamal's corner at the back post after…
FC Basel confirmed that the postponement has been approved by the league, with the fixture…
The victory came amid protests from Liverpool fans before and during the game, expressing their…
Alcaraz is trying to keep hold of the top spot and holds a 10-6 lead…
The all-time record in Europe's top five leagues is 125 goals for Torino in Serie…
This website uses cookies.