Mikel Arteta will "kill" Arsenal players who ignore Granit Xhaka's counsel at Manchester City.
Granit Xhaka has always split Arsenal supporters and neutrals alike, but his comments at the close of last season ring true ahead of a crucial title clash.
"If someone isn't prepared for this game, they should stay at home." It makes no difference what your age is. Stay on the bench or at home if you're nervous. You need people with guts to come here and play."
Granit Xhaka made this harsh judgment last May, when Arsenal's dreams of qualifying for the Champions League were dashed by Newcastle. However, it might easily be pinned on the Etihad Stadium's away dressing room wall before Wednesday night's crucial match versus Manchester City.
Expectations have evolved between Xhaka's now-famous post-match outburst and now, with Arsenal vying for the Premier League title. However, defeat by Pep Guardiola's side would effectively destroy their chances of winning the Premier League for the first time since 2004.
With the stakes so high, manager Mikel Arteta has been questioned about the possibility of some of his players cowering in the face of such pressure, but he reacted similarly to Xhaka's outburst.
"No. And if they do, I will simply declare, 'I will murder them,' which I do not desire."
That's what they said.
The statements, which are similar to those made by Xhaka 11 months ago, help to explain why the pair have such a good rapport, with the Switzerland international being one of the few players to stay a regular throughout Arteta's rule.
Xhaka has matured during that period. The 30-year-old is more important to the proceedings now than ever before. He is no longer a weak link or a livewire who may be dispatched at any time.
That was evident during last Friday's tense but ultimately disappointing 3-3 draw at home against Southampton, which Xhaka missed due to sickness.
Arsenal failed to gain any form of hold or control in the middle of the park without his presence. Fabio Vieira failed to provide anything resembling Xhaka's tranquility while also struggling to have an offensive influence.
Xhaka has traveled to Manchester and is so expected to start, where he will be looking to avoid the feeling he had after his journey to St. James' Park last term.
"The dressing room is extremely quiet." The game strategy was completely different from what we did during the course of 90 minutes. We've been waiting six years. Everything was in our hands. We appeared to be in the situation where Newcastle is, and they appeared to be where we are."
The comments prompted outrage at the time, with many, including Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, claiming Xhaka had made too many mistakes in his own Arsenal career to say others weren't up to the level.
Regardless, when Arteta speaks his final words to his players before they take the field at Etihad Stadium with the eyes of the football world on them, they'd be wise to remember Xhaka's advice: "You need people to have confidence in you."
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