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Arsenal legend Tony Adams has launched a scathing attack on Mikel Arteta’s leadership approach, criticising the manager for allowing players to vote on whether Martin Odegaard should remain captain.
The former Gunners defender questioned Arteta’s decision-making authority after the Spaniard consulted the squad about the captaincy rather than making the call himself.
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Adams questions Arteta’s authority
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Speaking about the captaincy process, Adams expressed his frustration with Arteta’s consultative approach. The Arsenal icon believes such decisions should be made firmly by the manager to maintain clear hierarchies within the squad.
“After I made the comment about Odegaard before the start of the season, Arteta went to the players and said: ‘Who do you want as captain?'” Adams explained, [as reported by Football365](https://www.football365.com).
“And they all went…well, they’re not going to say it to him, are they? They said: ‘We love Odegaard. Hooray.’ Why do you need the manager then? You pick your captain, you get your rapport, you have got your vice-captains and stuff and you create a bond.”
The captaincy debate continues
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Adams had previously sparked discussion during the summer by suggesting Declan Rice should be appointed captain instead of Odegaard. The former England defender argued that Rice displays stronger leadership qualities suited to elite-level football.
The decision over the captaincy involved a player vote, with the majority reportedly choosing to retain Odegaard as captain. However, Adams suggested this approach undermines managerial responsibility and questioned the logic of consultation, arguing that players are unlikely to reject a popular teammate in such circumstances.
Adams believes that leadership structures should be clearly defined by the manager to maintain authority and cohesion, particularly in squads competing for major honours and maintaining high standards throughout season campaigns.
Despite the criticism from the Arsenal legend, Arteta continues to operate with the leadership style that has been in place since his arrival at the club. His approach has been backed internally and has delivered progress, with the manager expected to continue trusting the structure that has brought stability and competitiveness to the north London side.