Mikel Arteta doesn’t blame Declan Rice for disobeying coach

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice “disobeyed” the coaching staff’s original tactical arrangement on a set-piece in the Champions League match against Real Madrid. Surprisingly, manager Mikel Arteta didn’t blame Rice for this, but expressed his support and understanding of his decision after the game.

Rice scores in a crucial moment of the game

This Champions League match is a very important one for Arsenal. The entire Arsenal team was in a state of high tension as they faced the mighty La Liga giants Real Madrid. There was one moment in the game that was particularly crucial – Declan Rice’s free kick. Originally, according to the team’s set piece coach Nicolas Joffre’s arrangement, the ball was not to be shot directly by Rice.

But in the ever-changing situation on the field, Rice clearly had his own judgment. He took the advice of teammate Bukayo Saka and decided to take the direct shot himself. Excitingly, this precise and powerful shot hung straight into the top corner of the goal, breaking the ten fingers of Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and taking the crucial goal for Arsenal.

This goal not only ignited the passion of the fans, but also completely disrupted the defensive deployment of Real Madrid. This scene also reminds us all once again: in a big game, the individual’s clinical judgment is also crucial.

Coach Arteta’s reaction: not angry, but very satisfied

For most coaches, a player’s failure to follow the tactics on the field may be considered as “disobedience” or even “detachment”. However, Mikel Arteta’s attitude after the game was surprisingly accommodating. He did not take the opportunity to criticize Rice’s insubordination, but said: “I’m very happy with the ball he played. When Real Madrid tried to counterattack, the ball flew straight to the corner instead of bouncing back, which also helped our defense.”

Arteta also added: “During the game, of course we want the players to execute the set tactics, but it is more important that they make the most appropriate choices. The role of our coaching staff is to give guidance and support to the players, while they have to make the best judgment on the field according to the situation at the time.”

Such a statement not only reflects Arteta’s accommodating mentality as a coach, but also shows his extremely high trust in Rice, the centerpiece of the midfield.

Arteta emphasized: the key to win the game is the individual ability to play

The win also puts Arsenal on course to return to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since the 2008/2009 season. Speaking about the hopes of promotion and the team’s form, Arteta emphasized the importance of “individual talent”. He said: “If you look at the teams that have gone far in the Champions League, you’ll see that their victories often come from players’ individual outbursts at key moments. I don’t think it’s just a coincidence.”

In other words, in Arteta’s eyes, modern soccer is no longer just a battle of team tactics, but more often than not, it is the individual ability, clinical judgment and courage of the players that determines victory or defeat.

He further pointed out: “In the Champions League this level of competition, if the individual ability of the players is not outstanding enough, it is difficult for the team to go to the end. We have to rely on players who dare to make decisions and take risks at critical moments.”

Declan Rice: the “centerpiece” of Arsenal’s midfield

For Declan Rice, the England international, the game was a showcase of his worth. Transferred from West Ham United, he has gradually become the mainstay of Arsenal’s midfield this season, not only in the defensive end of the solid performance, but also often in the offensive end of the stunning performance.

The free kick is a good example. He didn’t celebrate in high spirits after the game, but calmly said, “I knew that kick was risky, but I felt it was a chance at the time. I also thank Saka for supporting me in that decision.”

It is this calmness and confidence that allows Rice to play an increasingly important role in Arsenal’s tactical system. Both the coaching staff and the fans seem willing to see him show more of his judgment and leadership skills.

Arsenal’s future: more reliance on ‘flash in the pan’ players?

This game may be a sign that Arsenal are moving towards a ‘semi-freedom’ tactical system – one that is strictly tactical, but also allows key players to adapt to the situation on the pitch. This “mutual trust” relationship between Arteta and Rice could be the driving force behind their progress in the Champions League.

If the Arsenal of the past relied more on overall coordination and tactical execution, then today they may be gradually evolving into a team that is both disciplined and inspired by individuals. And this change, in the Champions League, may be the key to stand out.