Mikel Arteta says Jorginho has “got every quality” to become a coach when he hangs up his playing boots and says the Italy international is the perfect role model in the Arsenal dressing room.
It’s coming up to a year since the Gunners completed a surprise deal with Chelsea for the veteran midfielder and he’s proved a handy addition to the squad, albeit as backup, for the likes of Thomas Partey and Mo Elneny, both of whom have struggled with injuries.
Having long-admired Jorginho, Arteta has enjoyed being able to count on the 31-year-old’s experience, humour and tactical nous, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Spaniard triggers an extension clause to keep him around for a further season when his current 18-month deal ends next summer.
“Laughs,” was the word used by the manager to describe the Italian away from the pitch.
“He’s really funny. At the same time, he’s someone who really takes care of people, he makes people better.
“I think as a role model. If you want to look at somebody with his career and the way he acts every single day, look at him since he wakes up in the morning. After that, he understands his role in a great way and whatever you ask him to do, he will do it at his best and that’s something rare.”
He added: “Tactically, he’s obviously very astute; one of the most intelligent players I’ve coached, for sure.
“The detail that he can go into, the understanding of what is happening live, not on the video, but what actually is happening live in the game, how he can correct it, and how he can attract the attention of his teammates to listen to him and actually do what he’s telling them to do, it’s really impressive.”
Last weekend, with Mikel Arteta confined to the directors’ box due to a touchline ban, Jorginho was an even more active presence on the bench. As Guardian journalist David Hytner highlights in an interview with the Italy international, he even called David Raya to the touchline to discuss his tactics at goal-kicks.
While Arteta says such responsibility wasn’t handed to the January signing, he’s pleased to have someone willing to speak their mind when necessary.
“No, but well, in a way, yes, because he’s always there,” the manager replied when asked if Jorginho was deliberately used as an intermediary between the bench and the pitch.
“He’s living the game when he’s on the bench like another coaching member, but not specifically as something that we predict. Every time I look behind he’s there and it’s great that he’s living the game that way.”
Regista!
Again for anyone who hasn’t listened or seen his (Jorginho’s) podcast interview with the Athletic from last week really recommend that, super impressive guy, and yes also pretty funny. He’s so obviously going to be a great coach too.
Speaking of Chelsea, it was amusing to hear Saliba’s song being sung at The Bridge yesterday.
ha. Who for?
In fairness we are not the first to use the tune, but I guess we’re the first in the premier league. St Mirren used to sing it for big Okiba a few years back.
He is a useful player in certain games and his experience and personality is priceless. I’d be tempted to keep him around for a longer contract. Seems the players love him too.
Massive, massive game today.
With City drawing against Palace yesterday, we absolutely must take advantage and open up the gap on them. Liverpool will destroy the hopeless United later on and so that’s another reason why we must take the three points off Brighton.
The title will be between us and the Scousers: that’s why the next two matches are mega-important.
It’s time to end the Brighton hoodoo and smash these upstarts.
3-1 to the Arsenal.
Yess let’s do dis. Turn Brighton into Darkon for a day.
Let’s turn the lights out of their hoodoo over us.
Turned out to be a very good signing. You’d think Chelsea could do with a character like that in the dressing room.
On a side note, anyone know where today’s blog is?
Nevermind, found it.
Now let’s destroy those seagulls, the most despicable bird on planet earth.