I don’t subscribe to the ‘hypocrisy’ argument since there are different reasons which can be deeply tactical why a coach has strong preferences for some players which we can’t see as fans.
Regarding KT I’d back Arteta - he did not fit the manager’s vision for the role. Zinchenko is a defensive liability but going forward he’s quality, and also he is anyway likely behind Timber in the pecking order.
If anything the cases of KT and Zinchenko show that Mikel is consistent with his mentality of constantly looking to improve the squad at all costs. Also if our interest in Toney and Vlahovic are true, then it’s clear that Mikel also sees issues with Gabby J as our primary #9 and wants to upgrade the position.
I don’t subscribe to the ‘hypocrisy’ argument since there are different reasons which can be deeply tactical why a coach has strong preferences for some players which we can’t see as fans.
Regarding KT I’d back Arteta - he did not fit the manager’s vision for the role. Zinchenko is a defensive liability but going forward he’s quality, and also he is anyway likely behind Timber in the pecking order.
If anything the cases of KT and Zinchenko show that Mikel is consistent with his mentality of constantly looking to improve the squad at all costs. Also if our interest in Toney and Vlahovic are true, then it’s clear that Mikel also sees issues with Gabby J as our primary #9 and wants to upgrade the position.
Gabby J was probably envisioned as an elite versatile forward option, rather than just a 9