Arsenal Legend Fires A Big Warning To Arteta Ahead Of Next Season

Arsenal Invincible and former goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has shared his candid thoughts on the current state of the Gunners and the expectations facing manager Mikel Arteta. Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s decisive Champions League second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, the 2004 Premier League title winner insisted that while this season has shown growth, next season must deliver silverware – particularly the Premier League title.

“But obviously, Arteta has to win the Premier League next year,” Lehmann said. “This year, they could have won the League. Man City dropped a little bit, Liverpool replaced them.”

Lehmann, known for his intensity and experience during Arsenal’s unbeaten title-winning campaign, believes the Gunners had a real opportunity to take the crown this season but fell just short due to small margins and missed chances. While acknowledging the high level of competition, he now believes the onus is on Arteta to take the final step in the 2025 campaign.

In a rare critique of Arteta’s managerial approach, Lehmann suggested that the Arsenal boss may need to slightly adapt his personality to push the team over the line.

“Next year he has to win, but he probably needs to change his personality a little bit to win things,” Lehmann explained. “Because sometimes, it’s about control and being cautious.”

While praising Arteta’s tactical structure and transformation of Arsenal into consistent contenders, Lehmann hinted that a more aggressive, risk-taking mentality could be the missing ingredient.

“If you want to win some things, in my opinion you could be a little more risky,” he added.

His comments reflect a common sentiment among pundits and fans alike – that Arsenal’s defensive discipline and possession-based control have brought them close to glory, but a bit more boldness in key moments could turn them into champions.

However, Lehmann also remains fully behind the current squad and expressed hope for their immediate future, with a massive Champions League fixture looming.

“But that’s next year – next week is super important,” he said. “I cross my fingers that they will score two goals and will not concede one.”

Arsenal trail PSG heading into the second leg of their semi-final clash, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. A place in the Champions League final is within reach, and Lehmann, like many fans, is hoping the Gunners can show the courage and conviction to rise to the occasion.

The words of the former Invincible carry weight. He has seen what it takes to win at the highest level. And while his views may be blunt, they come from a place of experience, passion, and deep-rooted affection for Arsenal.

As the club looks to end a two-decade wait for major titles, Mikel Arteta finds himself at the center of both praise and pressure. Next week’s European clash may shape the short term, but for Arteta, next season could define his legacy.