Tony Adams hits out at Arsenal and Mikel Arteta: "Why do you need a manager then?"

Tony Adams hits out at Arsenal and Mikel Arteta: "Why do you need a manager then?"Legendary former Arsenal captain Tony Adams has questioned the leadership in Mikel Arteta's squad as they head to Manchester City for a blockbuster title clashCommentsSportJohn Cross Chief Football Writer06:00, 19 Apr 2026View 5 ImagesTony Adams speaks out on Arsenal ahead of Sunday's clash with Man City(Image: Alexandra Arlett)Tony Adams has questioned Arsenal’s leadership ahead of their title crunch at Manchester City.‌Arsenal legend Adams claimed earlier this season that Declan Rice should be wearing the armband rather than club captain Martin Odegaard.‌Gunners boss Mikel Arteta gave a staunch defence of Odegaard’s captaincy and even revealed that he sounded out the players, took a straw poll and they all said they wanted the Norway midfielder to keep the job.‌But Adams mocked that by suggesting the players were just paying lip service and also asked why they need a manager if the players decide anyway.Former Arsenal and England captain Adams said: “After I made the comment about Odegaard, Arteta went to the players and said: ‘Who do you want as captain?’ And they all went…well, they’re not going to say it to him, are they? ‘We love Odegaard! Hooray!’READ MORE: Arsenal and England icon Tony Adams breaks down 'insidious' epidemic invading dressing roomsREAD MORE: Mikel Arteta and Arsenal need to make a statement vs Man City to avoid fresh heartbreak“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.‌“I think Declan is a leader. I think he’s a super leader and super player, and I’ve said, I feel that he should be Arsenal captain anyway. Gabriel, these kind of players for the Arsenal.”Odegaard has missed big chunks of this season through injury and Arsenal have never needed him as much as they do now to guide them through troubled waters.The title challenge could c...