Former Arsenal and Russia forward Andrey Arshavin has once again stirred controversy, this time by openly criticising Real Madrid and their manager, Alvaro Arbeloa. Speaking candidly during an appear...
Former Arsenal and Russia forward Andrey Arshavin has once again stirred controversy, this time by openly criticising Real Madrid and their manager, Alvaro Arbeloa.
Speaking candidly during an appearance on Match TV (h/t AS), Arshavin said that he is far from impressed with Madrid’s situation under Arbeloa.
Reflecting on Real Madrid’s position in the league table, Arshavin admitted that he expected things to look much worse for the Spanish giants.
“I’m surprised that Barcelona is only one point ahead of them in the table. Real Madrid was doing so badly that I thought their position would be different.
“But I think Arbeloa is still in a difficult situation.”
Tipping for Arbeloa’s failure
Arshavin then went a step further, openly declaring his hope that Arbeloa’s project fails.
The former forward, who has never hidden his affection for Barcelona, questioned the Madrid coach’s ability to manage the dressing room.
“As a Barcelona fan, I hope Arbeloa fails. For him, the key is to connect with the players, not to come up with strategies. Xabi Alonso didn’t manage to do that,” Arshavin added.
Not the first instance
Arshavin’s outspoken support for Barcelona is nothing new, as the Russian icon has publicly identified as a Barça fan on several occasions.
Just last year, he was involved in a major controversy linked to his anti-Madrid stance.
The former Arsenal star was spotted inside a Real Madrid store wearing a Barcelona shirt with his own name printed on the back.
The unusual and provocative scene sparked both laughter and outrage, as Arshavin once again made his feelings towards Madrid unmistakably clear.
Category: General Sports
