Press conference

‘When they're behind you, it gives you energy'

Having come through a rough patch of his own this season, Mikel Arteta knows exactly what Steve Bruce is going through at Newcastle.

The Magpies have not won in any competition since December 12, and have lost six of their past eight games heading into Monday night’s clash at Emirates Stadium.

“When you are sitting in one of these chairs, you suffer and you have a lot of empathy for your colleagues,” Arteta said. “We all know what it takes, how much we suffer and Brucey is a really good manager and a top guy too.

“Yes, in my opinion more than ever [you need to stick to your beliefs in tough times]. Things can be a bit difficult to see but you have to be able to see and analyse everything that happens, but as well adapt. 

“You cannot be so stuck, sometimes you have to adapt and change some things to try to move and shake things around a little bit to try to find a way. But the margins of this game, a very low-scoring game, win or not win, they are [tight] margins.”

So what is key to coming through these trying periods?

“First, you need support from the club, that is for sure,” Arteta added. “Then you need to feel as well that your fans and supporters can see what you are trying to build. 

“Then the most important part for me is the feeling you have with the players. When you feel that the players are on board and they are really trying for you, that they are behind you, that gives you a big energy.”

 

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