Mikel Arteta Credits Granit Xhaka for His Growth as a Coach

Mikel Arteta praises Xhaka's impact on his coaching career

Mikel Arteta praises Granit Xhaka's profound influence on his coaching career and Arsenal's remarkable development, citing Xhaka's transformative impact.

“I am laughing because I just visualised Granit and it makes me laugh because he was such a character...”

Mikel Arteta praises Granit Xhaka's impact on his coaching career, saying Xhaka “made me a better coach” during his time at Arsenal. Arteta revived Xhaka's career after taking over as manager, rebuilding his relationship with the fans and leading him to success at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga title and German Cup.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on Friday credited Granit Xhaka for making him a better coach after rescuing the Switzerland midfielder's career when he was on the verge of leaving following a bitter falling out with the London club's fans.

Xhaka had been stripped of the Arsenal captaincy under former manager Unai Emery after he angrily gestured at supporters who jeered him at a game in 2019.

However, when Arteta took over mid-season, he revived both the player's fortunes and his relationship with the Arsenal faithful before Xhaka earned a move in 2023 to Bayer Leverkusen where he won the Bundesliga title and German Cup.

“I loved every minute we spent together. When I joined, he was in a special moment of his life and career,” Arteta told reporters ahead of Saturday's game at Sunderland.

“Between all of us, we tried to guide him, to give him a different perspective, to make him feel loved and valued, and he responded in an incredible way.”

Arteta Praises Xhaka's Transformative Impact

“He made me a better coach. He helped us to develop and improve a lot as a team and a club,” Arteta added. “I will be eternally grateful because I have great memories with him.”

Arteta insisted the club always valued Xhaka internally, describing him as a transformative dressing-room presence, despite his rocky relationship with supporters.

“I am laughing because I just visualised Granit and it makes me laugh because he was such a character, a huge personality, very funny, super professional,” Arteta added.

“One of those guys who can change the spirit of a dressing room and a team. That's a superpower to have.

“It wasn't an easy decision (to let him leave) because I knew the impact he could still have. But then when you have one of those leaders, you need to have him in the right frame of mind, feeling committed.”

Xhaka's Leadership Shines at Sunderland

Granit Xhaka has made an instant impact at Sunderland, signing for an initial fee of 13 million pounds ($17.45 million) as Regis Le Bris sought to bring in a leader to guide the youngsters and new players in the promoted team. The 33-year-old has delivered with a goal and three assists, creating several chances for his teammates as Sunderland sits fourth in the standings, level on 18 points with third-placed Liverpool and seven off leaders Arsenal.

"I loved every minute that we spent together"

Mikel Arteta says he will eternally grateful for Granit Xhaka 🫶 pic.twitter.com/Nx2oI7mrZe

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 7, 2025

Xhaka's leadership and experience have been crucial to Sunderland's strong start, with the team boasting the fourth-lowest possession haul (44.1%) in the league. He ranks highly in the Premier League for long passes, with 5.2 completed per 90, and has been instrumental in helping Sunderland limit opponents to just four goals scored in six matches.

“With the impact he is having, one of the best (signings of the season), I would say,” Arteta said.

“I think what they (Sunderland) have done as a football club in the last few years is very impressive, how stable they look and how they have started the season. Really impressed.”