Mikel Arteta has apologized to Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior after the latter accused Arsenal’s staff of a lack of respect following a sideline confrontation during their recent Carabao Cup semi-final clash.
Mikel Arteta has issued a formal apology to Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior following a heated confrontation during the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Rosenior was left “incandescent with rage” after Arsenal’s coaching staff allegedly encroached on Chelsea’s designated warm-up area.
He stated: “I didn’t think that respect was shown to my team.” The Blues boss was heard shouting at staff to stay in their own half.
Addressing the controversy ahead of the Sunderland fixture, Arteta sought to de-escalate the tension between the London rivals.
“At any point, if one of the staff members went through that, we apologise and that’s it,” Arteta remarked. He noted such incidents are common during goalkeeper drills but emphasized his respect for Rosenior.
Meanwhile, Arteta confirmed Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber are nearing a return.