Declan Rice hails Mikel Arteta after Arsenal boss signs four-year deal
Declan Rice has welcomed Mikel Arteta’s new four-year Arsenal deal, calling the Spaniard the finest coach he has worked under as the Gunners prepare to restart their Premier League title defence.
Arsenal at a glance
| Item | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Arteta contract | Four years, to 2030 | Arsenal manager since 2019 |
| Rice fitness | Available for weekend return | Missed England camp to manage workload |
| Next match | Arsenal vs Leeds United, Saturday | Arsenal lost 3-0 at Brighton before the break |
Arteta’s extension keeps him at the club until 2030. Having taken charge in 2019, he is now the longest-serving manager across England’s top four divisions.
Rice believes Arteta’s obsessive preparation is what sets him apart. The midfielder pointed to the manager’s tactical planning, demanding training sessions and attention to small details which players might otherwise miss.
“He watches everything, even when you think he is not looking,” Rice said. “He asks questions and makes sure everyone stays alert. Before matches, we understand the plan — without the ball, with it, and how we can hurt the opponent. The detail in how he explains it all makes him the best for me.”
Rice added that Arsenal are fortunate to have secured their manager’s future for another four years. Arteta led the club to its first league championship for 22 years last season.
Rice ready after England withdrawal
The 27-year-old has started every Arsenal match this term, but pulled out of the latest England squad after talks with Thomas Tuchel and Arteta. The decision was made to settle physical issues and control his workload.
Rice said he was disappointed to miss international duty — only the first or second camp he has missed since making his England debut — but believes the break has left him in a strong position for the upcoming fixtures.
“I feel well and refreshed now,” he said. “Going into this next run of matches, I feel like I will be in a really good place.”
Champions focused on the new fight
Rice said Arsenal cannot rely on the confidence of last season’s title success, despite sensing a more assured mood within the squad.
“Last year was special, but this is a new season with different players, teams and challenges,” he said. “We are champions, but we do not walk onto the pitch thinking about last year. We have more belief, but we must remain humble, take every game as it comes and try to win as many as we can.”
Arsenal host Leeds on Saturday seeking an immediate response after the 3-0 loss at Brighton. The next task for Arteta’s side is to get their title defence moving again.
