A few weeks ago, Santi Cazorla revealed that Unai Emery had called to chat about how he could improve Arsenal.
Despite not knowing each other the two chatted about the state of play at London Colney with the 33-year-old, who’d just been released by the Gunners, giving his opinion on areas his compatriot might want to focus.
Understandably, Cazorla was coy on the details of the conversation, but in a new interview with the BBC’s Football Focus, he’s explained why everyone at the Emirates needs to be patient while the new head coach implements his ideas.
“I think it’s a club that can improve quite a few things,” the Villarreal midfielder said.
“I gave him [Emery] all the information I could to try and help him out during his period of settling in and I think he’s very happy and I think he’s a great manager for Arsenal.
“But everyone really does have to be patient, when you think you’ve had the same manager for 23 years, a manager who became a real symbol for the club on a worldwide scale and the fans have to show a little patience with Unai, and the team because there has been a lot of changes.
“I believe that if they do things in the right manner, Arsenal have everything required to be a massive club.
“I’m sure that in the coming seasons Arsenal will be making that step up in quality which will hopefully enable them to be on a level playing field and able to fight for the title and other big trophies.”
Santi also suggested that Arsenal lacked belief in the final years of Arsene Wenger’s time in charge and that, ultimately, played a role in their failure to challenge for the title. The good news, is that he firmly believes the new man can change that.
“We needed to have made that leap to try and battle it out for the title. There were seasons where you felt like we were in with a shout but then through various circumstances it wasn’t to be,” he said.
“But I think it’s all about having that self-belief, that right mentality. To say ‘We believe in this team, we know we have a great squad and we can go toe to toe with the big English clubs.’
“I believe that they will do that and for sure they will keep on improving in the future. They are going to have a great season, they have a great team and I wish them all the best.”
Always great to hear from Santi and amazing to see that he’s playing regularly back in Spain.
I wonder if Santi is destined for a career in coaching. I do hope that his cheeky grin remains in the public domain one way or another.
I would love to see him still in football after he hangs his boots up and I’m pretty sure he would want to still be involved as well. Got so much time for the guy. Down the line, if he wants to get into coaching and things work well for him, I would be happy to see him back at Arsenal.
You just cannot hate this man. He’s arsenal through and through. Would love to see him involved somehow in the near future.
Real Arsenal Icon. If Unai stays long enough, Cazorla would most likely be back here after his playing career.
Love that guy.
Top 3 greatest Arsenal players hampered by injuries.. We missed you Santi, you are always welcome for group hugs.
who else? I think Diaby and Rosicky
Yeah agreed. One of the biggest “what ifs” Diaby and Eduardo didn’t get those leg breaking tackles. Diaby on his day makes him look like a perfect combo of Vieira and Yaya Toure
Respect to Unai for looking for every opportunity to improve Arsenal by listening to an Arsenal legend.
legend, I don’t think so, he was ok, but no way a legend
never mind the fans, I just hope emery don’t get fed up with the players and leaves
Everyone, except the media, are willing to be patient with Emery
more to the point, is emery willing to be patient with arsenal
The little magician ?
When Santi says something.. we just have to listen.
Oh! Santi Cazorla❣️
Ohhhhhhhhh Santi cazorlaaaaaaaa
So I hear there’s a job opening in the front office….Hard not to miss the guy. And let me second Onenil’s comment below. Hats off to Emery, it takes guts and seriousness of purpose to contact Santi.
Really hope we play Villareal later in the competition. One more stadium rendition of Ohhhhh Santi Cazorla. Give him a proper send off.
A Spanish player singing false praise of his fellow country man.Surprise,surprise
What an idiotic comment!! You diss our coach, a much loved ex player and Spanish people in one go. Pathetic.
Don’t feed the troll. He’s a Derby supporter who comes on here to stir shit up. Same type of idiocy as we get from “afan”, who is only a fan of Tottenham.
What do we think of Tottenham?
Ram is an extension of Kroenke. Cunt
I do wish he’d been with us this season but I know the risk was probably too big to take. Shame though.
Lovely man
Santi’s playing ability was of the highest order, but what we really missed was not having his leadership on and off the pitch. His positivity and belief that that the sum is greater than the parts is still a characteristic that is lacking from this squad. We can another step in that direction with another win today.
COYG!!
Legend, i hope he comes back and works for AFC.