‘We are not in Disneyland, we are in the Premier League’: Arteta defends angry reaction to Max Dowman
London: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended his visible frustration toward 16-year-old Max Dowman following the youngster's red card in a Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town, stressing that young players must quickly adapt to the high standards of top-flight football.
The teenager was sent off after reacting to a heavy challenge during the Gunners' unexpected exit against the League Two side. As Dowman made his way off the pitch, an irritated Arteta was seen expressing his displeasure directly to the player—a moment that subsequently drew scrutiny over his management of the youth prospect.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Liverpool, Arteta acknowledged his reaction was born out of the loss, but maintained that high standards must be upheld across the squad.
“This is the environment, this is the reality. We are not in Disneyland, we are in the Premier League,” Arteta said during his pre-match press conference.
“We look after him so much, but at the same time we’re going to be demanding because he needs to earn the right to play, just like everybody else, because the other boys, what are they going to say? You need to be fair... and when we don’t win, I am [expletive] off.”
The manager clarified that he has already addressed the matter internally with the midfielder and emphasised that his tough-love approach stems from personal experience.
“Yes, for sure. I had a talk with him yesterday; it’s just a talk. I’ve done it - so that’s why I’m so protective of these things, especially with young players, because we have made these mistakes. We know how much you can get punished, and how much it can change what happens next. It’s not the first time, so we need to put an end to it very quickly,” he said.
Arsenal lost their subsequent appeal against the red card, leaving Dowman set to serve a three-match suspension as he continues his development within the senior setup. (IANS)