Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has revealed that he spoke to Mikel Arteta after publicly criticising Arsenal for time-wasting.
Hurzeler hit out at Arsenal’s approach following his side’s 1-0 defeat to the Gunners on March 4th.
Following the clash, the German said Brighton were the only team that ‘tried to play football’ and accused Arsenal of underhand tactics.
“I loved how we played football,” Hurzeler said. “I think there was only one team that tried to play football today, and therefore I’m proud how they did it.
“I will never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way, I want to develop players. I want players to keep improving, keep playing football on the pitch. In the end, every team will manage and waste time but I think there has to be a limit, and the limit has to be set by the Premier League. At the moment, they just can do what they want.”
Much has been made about Hurzeler’s comments, and the Brighton boss has revealed he spoke with Arteta to clarify his comments. Though he insisted he retains his opinion, the 33-year-old admitted he had been ’emotional’ in the aftermath of the result.
“I really admire what Arsenal have achieved so far this season and how Arteta and his team work. I will be the first to congratulate then if they win the Premier League.
“I didn’t want to upset anyone, but on the other hand, I stick to my word that I wasn’t happy about some things that day and all of numbers give me conformation. What I was saying about time wasting, we need to find clear rules about that.
“I texted him saying the same things to him; that I have huge respect for everyone at Arsenal.
“If they win the Premier League, they definitely deserve it, but it’s just things that made me emotional, and I’m a person who sticks to his principles and opinions.
“It created a lot of noise, but it’s important to stand to your opinion – but I did tell Mikel that I have huge respect [for him]. Nothing should stand between us, and the work continues.”
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