Merino admits 'what player wouldn't like to play more minutes?' amid bench role
Mikel Merino has opened up on his reduced role at Arsenal, admitting he wants more minutes but insisting he will never complain about Mikel Arteta's team selections. The midfielder spoke to the media while on international duty with Spain ahead of their clash with Czechia.
Asked directly about his lack of game time for the Gunners this season, Merino did not hold back on his honest feelings towards the situation. He said: “Of course. What player wouldn't like to play more minutes? If anyone is lucky to have this manager, it's me. You'll never hear me complain about a manager's decision, but what I want is to play.”
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Merino started in Arsenal's Champions League win over Slavia Praha last week before linking back up with the Spanish national team. He has largely found himself used as a substitute for much of the campaign, often competing with the likes of Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes and Myles Lewis-Skelly for a midfield spot.
Merino and Zubimendi share the same reality
The 30 year old was also asked about the situation facing his international teammate Martin Zubimendi, who has similarly found himself limited to appearances off the bench since his move to Arsenal. Merino was clear eyed about what both players are up against at the club.
“Not being on the pitch most of the time isn't ideal for a player,” he said. “Arsenal is currently the best team in the world, and it's very difficult to get minutes. Now, we know what our roles are, and we're both calm and eager to keep training hard to show that we can continue to be there.”
A perspective shaped by family
Perhaps the most revealing part of Merino's comments centred on how he has come to terms with his reduced role, crediting his upbringing for shaping that outlook. His father was a coach, something the Spaniard references every time he celebrates a goal with his trademark corner flag celebration.
“It's difficult to internalise that. We're selfish in many cases and see football from an individual perspective,” he said. “But the fact that my father was a coach makes me see football differently. Those who finish the matches are the ones who win the championships. It's often difficult to convince ourselves.”
The comments come at a time when several Arsenal players have used the international break to address their futures and current situations at the club, with Ben White, Viktor Gyokeres and Zubimendi all speaking publicly in recent days, according to football.london.
Merino's words suggest a player fully aware of his standing within Arteta's squad depth but determined to keep pushing for opportunities. With competition for midfield places as fierce as it has ever been under Arteta, how he and Zubimendi respond to the challenge could prove significant as the season progresses.
