At a Glance:
Stefan Schwarz was a midfielder for Arsenal in the 1990s
Schwarz believes Mikel Arteta and the manager he played under at Arsenal, George Graham, are very different
Schwarz also believes the current criticism of Arteta is unfair
Stefan Schwarz is a name known to Arsenal fans who followed the team throughout the 1990s, with his sole season at Highbury coming in the 1994-95 season under then-manager George Graham.
He played 34 games in the Premiership that year, scoring two goals, with his last appearance for the Gunners coming in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final, a game which Arsenal lost 2-1 against Spanish side Real Zaragoza.
Schwarz’s playing career before Arsenal saw him break through in his home country of Sweden with Malmo, before an eventual move to Benfica would be his last stop before coming to North London. After his spell at Arsenal, the Swede would move to Fiorentina and Valencia, with his final transfer being to Sunderland back in the Premier League, who he would retire with.
Speaking exclusively to ReadArsenal via freebets.com, the home of the best betting sites, Schwarz discussed Arteta’s style of play, as well as how the Spaniard compares to his former coach, George Graham.
READ MORE: Every Arsenal player called up for the 2026 World Cup so far
Mikel Arteta is ‘very different’ to George Graham as a manager, says Stefan Schwarz
Over thirty years have passed since George Graham was the coach at Arsenal, but even for the time he was viewed as a manager who prioritized defense over anything—reportedly one of the factors that led to Schwarz leaving the club.
Arsenal would win two league titles under Graham, but were not able to pick up any continental silverware, something which Schwarz backs current Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to succeed in when the Gunners take part in the Champions League final later this month.
Speaking on how Arteta and Graham compare as managers in their approach to football, Schwarz said:
“It’s very different indeed. On the playing side of it, Geroge liked to get the ball up to the front as quick as possible and we had Alan Smith & Kevin Campbell as our strikers to hold the ball up and then we could play from there. I was there to then use my skill to create chances.
“But for Mikel, Arsenal play a very effective style of football, especially this season. The inverted full backs, the two wide strikers as well. We usually played 4-4-2, but nowadays, it’s 4-3-3. George was a strong disciplinarian coach.
“The similarities were set pieces for sure. Both teams’ set pieces were very strong. George set the tone well for us, we knew where we stood, we knew what George expected of us. We knew we had to deliver. So for the team now, they know what Mikel expects from them too.”
Schwarz believes Mikel Arteta is doing ‘something very right’ at Arsenal despite criticism
Mikel Arteta has been criticised for his seemingly negative football at points and issues with breaking down weaker, more defensive teams. With fears over Burnley causing an upset against the Gunners in their penultimate game of the season, Schwarz offers a positive view of the Spanish coach.
“[The criticism towards Arteta is] unfair for sure. Arsenal are on the brink of the Premier League [title], they are in the Champions League final as well. So they are doing something very right.
“They have great attacking players and excellent defensive players starting with David Raya, who has been outstanding all season. With Gabriel and Saliba, that is an awesome partnership. The full backs work so hard for team and then any team with Declan Rice in the centre of midfield is going to be strong, both defensively and also going forward.
“It’s also very harsh as with Eze, Odegaard to create goals, Arsenal have scored over 65 League goals, so they must be doing something right,” Schwarz said.