Before the 2025/26 season began, Tony Adams questioned Martin Odegaard’s leadership skills and encouraged Mikel Arteta to divest him of the captaincy.
Adams, who played for Arsenal for the entirety of his 19-year career, expressed his view that Arsenal would not win the league with Odegaard as captain.
He feels Declan Rice should be given the captaincy, claiming he had the talents needed to ‘push Arsenal to the next level.’
In August, Adams stated, “He has a really big call to make this year, and, for me, he hasn’t done it.” Declan Rice is to be appointed captain.
“I think Declan is my sort of captain, and it may allow Martin Odegaard to play more. However, as a manager, you must occasionally place someone who reflects you, the football club, and who you believe can take you to the next level. I believe he [Rice] is a winner. I believe he is an Arsenal leader in the dressing room and throughout the training camp. He has norms and principles.
that went on to say, “I’m simply suggesting that [Arteta] has an opportunity this year to genuinely win. To win league titles, you need to be a [Jurgen] Klopp or a [Sir Alex] Ferguson. You must set a good example, be successful, and conduct yourself professionally. This reflects in your captain.
“And I see Declan Rice as the captain, but I’m telling Arteta, ‘Come on, step up now. It’s your turn to be a winning and fantastic manager, because you won’t win the league with Odegaard as captain.”
Martin Odegaard Responds to Tony Adams
After nearly a month since Adams’ comments, Odegaard has answered. When asked about their overseas service, Odegaard responded, according to The Athletic:
“To be honest, I don’t care. Everyone is free to voice their thoughts and say anything they want, which I am good with. I don’t care what people say. There are many negative and positive things to say, but I can’t let them affect me. That is what I have believed throughout my career.
Following Adams’ comments, Arteta defended Odegaard, saying that the players voted on who should be captain before the season began, and Odegaard ‘won by a mile.’
According to the Athletic, he remarked, “My viewpoint is clear, and it is not just mine; it is the opinion of the entire staff, notably the player. I asked everyone to vote for the captain, and I got the results yesterday, and everyone chose the same person, Martin Odegaard, which is the most evident proof you can have.
“It’s their opinion on who should be their captain: to defend, advance, and win the games they want to win. So I think there is no debate about that.”
Odegaard has now verified Arteta’s assertion, saying, “That’s correct; we voted for it. Ultimately, it was Arteta’s choice. But it was a good affirmation for me.”
The Norwegian was selected Arsenal captain in 2022. He will be hoping to return to the starting lineup for their next match, at home against Nottingham Forest on Saturday September 13.
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