MIKEL ARTETA has told Chelsea manager Graham Potter to not let the pressures of football management “destroy” his life.
The table topping Arsenal boss knows exactly what Potter is going through right now after enduring online abuse and demands for his dismissal last season.
Graham Potter has been told he must start winning gamesGetty
GettyMikel Arteta spoke about the pressure of the job[/caption]
But Arteta said it is important to stay on top of the challenges of the role and not let the pressure define you.
He says: “We all know the pressure, the demands and the uncertainty that this industry has.
“You can have difficulties in your job and challenges, which we do, especially when you lose, but when you are winning as well because this job is so demanding.
“But you cannot destroy your life because of that.”
Potter specifically cited the patience Arsenal showed to Arteta following Chelsea’s demoralising 2-0 defeat at Tottenham on Sunday.
It was a result which left him clinging on for dear life at Stamford Bridge after a miserable run of just two wins in 15 games.
Arteta understands Potter’s dilemma and says: “This job is so demanding and you have so many difficulties, especially when you lose.
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“But you cannot allow it to destroy your life. Your family and loved ones don’t deserve to have their lives affected in such a negative way because you have lost a football match.
“Getting the balance right is critical and it helps if you have someone to put that picture in front of you, because it’s not easy to see when you’re in that position.
“When you have a close relationship with other managers like I have in Spain, Italy and here in England, of course you get in touch with them.
“When someone is going through a difficult period, we all give our support. Maybe not on the phone but at least with a nice text message.
“We are all colleagues and we all know the pressure, the demands and the uncertainty that come with this industry.
“So of course you empathise when someone is suffering because you know how it feels to go through these moments.”