Arteta Addresses Rosenior's 'Disrespect' Allegations Following Arsenal's Triumph
Mikel Arteta has disclosed that his coaching staff extended an apology to Liam Rosenior after the Chelsea manager levelled accusations of 'disrespect' against Arsenal in the build-up to their Carabao Cup semi-final clash this week. The incident unfolded at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, casting a shadow over the pre-match preparations.
Pre-Match Tensions Erupt at the Emirates
Rosenior expressed his displeasure with a member of Arsenal's backroom team prior to kick-off, alleging that the individual had encroached into Chelsea's half during a warm-up drill involving the goalkeepers. Sky Sports' television cameras captured the heated exchange, with Rosenior heard telling the Arsenal coach: 'That's your half – that's your f****** half. F****** stay there.' Subsequently, Rosenior publicly criticised Arsenal for what he perceived as a lack of respect.
When questioned about Rosenior's complaints during his press conference on Friday, Arteta responded diplomatically. 'I don't know, it's his opinion, and obviously we respect everybody,' the Arsenal manager stated. 'At any point any staff member went through that we apologised and that's it.' Arteta downplayed the significance of the altercation, noting, 'It's very common in football, especially with the keepers because they have to kick long balls and all that. So nothing left to comment.'
Rosenior Elaborates on His Discontent
Speaking during his own press conference on Thursday, Rosenior provided further context for his frustration with Arsenal's conduct before the match. 'It wasn't the players,' Rosenior clarified. 'I'm respectful. When you warm up, you have your half, the other team have your half. I've never asked my team or my coaches to encroach on the opposition's territory. In that moment, I didn't think it was right where they were operating.'
Rosenior emphasised that the intrusion was disrupting his team's preparations. 'They were affecting my lads' warm-up and my staff's warm-up. So, I asked them, maybe not politely, to make sure they stay in their half. I'm not here to have mind games. It's just what I think is right and respectful. Hopefully, we respect that and other teams do too.'
The Chelsea manager underscored the importance of footballing etiquette, adding, 'There are certain etiquettes in football. I always try and be as respectful as possible. I always want to win. I've never asked my coaches.' Rosenior was quick to clarify that his grievance was not personal, stating, 'I don't have an issue with anyone at Arsenal Football Club. A fantastic manager, Mikel Arteta, I've got so much respect for. It was just in that moment, I didn't think that respect was shown to my team.'
This exchange highlights the intense rivalries and high-stakes emotions that characterise top-level football, even in moments before the whistle blows. While the incident did not affect the match outcome, with Arsenal securing victory, it has sparked discussions about professionalism and respect between competing clubs.
