Mikel Arteta has urged Ethan Nwaneri to respond positively to the recent critique from loan manager Habib Beye, implying that this challenge could ultimately benefit the player’s career.
Photo via OlympiqueDeMarseille on Instagram
Advertisement
Ethan Nwaneri was once again seated on the bench for Marseille last weekend, marking his tenth consecutive game without a start under new manager Habib Beye.
Nwaneri has yet to step onto the pitch for a starting position under Beye’s management, and the likelihood of that changing appears low following Beye’s pre-match remarks on Sunday.
“He’s a talented player, but he needs to demonstrate significantly more in his daily commitment,” Beye stated (via GFFN). “Other players are providing much more.”
Photo via Nwaneri on Instagram
In light of those comments, Mikel Arteta remarked in his press conference on Friday that Beye likely understands Nwaneri’s situation better than he does, but he believes the feedback could ultimately be constructive for the young player.
Advertisement
“I believe that’s the coach’s perspective, as he interacts with him every day,” Arteta noted. “It’s his decision to make. He has a clearer understanding of what’s happening, and Ethan needs to respond appropriately.”
“It’s a situation similar to what William Saliba faced at the same club. Let’s see how it unfolds—this experience may turn out to be beneficial for Ethan’s career. We can’t be certain.”
Photo via Nwaneri on Instagram
Currently, Marseille is experiencing difficulties, having fallen out of the Champions League qualification spots and now sitting in sixth place, with only a Europa Conference League qualifying play-off in sight for next season.
Advertisement
With AS Monaco trailing just two points behind in seventh, Marseille’s chances of climbing back into the top four appear slim as they head into their final three matches.
Despite Marseille’s challenges, or perhaps because of their urgent need for positive results, Nwaneri has mainly settled for brief appearances in recent weeks.
The overall impact of this experience will depend on Nwaneri’s reaction, as Arteta emphasizes. Marseille’s next match is scheduled for Saturday afternoon against Nantes at 14:00 BST.