Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has claimed that Brazil boss Fernando Diniz has done something he’s ‘never’ experienced under Mikel Arteta.
Speaking to Gazeta Esportiva ahead of Brazil’s crunch clash against Argentina tomorrow, the Arsenal star explained the differences between Diniz and Mikel Arteta.
Gabriel Martinelli netted Brazil’s only goal of the game on Friday as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Colombia.
The 22-year-old hasn’t quite managed to hit the heights he reached last season this time around for Arsenal. But Martinelli has still registered five goal involvements in 14 games for Arteta’s side.
And the Gunners star has claimed he’s never been able to play such a ‘creative’ game of football as he did for Brazil on Friday.
Martinelli says Diniz has done something he’s ‘never’ experienced under Arteta
Speaking to Gazeta Esportiva, Martinelli made an interesting claim about Arteta and Diniz.
“They’re different working methods, they’re different coaches, each one has his own way,” the winger said. “At Arsenal, Mikel (Arteta) has his way and here Diniz has his way.
“They’re different ways of playing, but they’re ways of teams that like to have the ball. Last game I’d never played so much creative football, but I felt good.
“Diniz has been talking to me, giving me confidence. I feel comfortable playing like this.”
There’s no doubt that Martinelli has thrived under Arteta’s guidance over the past couple of years.
The Brazil star has established himself as one of the best wingers in the Premier League. But he is given a very specific task in the Arsenal side, similar to Bukayo Saka.
The duo are expected to hug the touchline and provide a real threat in 1v1 situations for the Gunners.
Martinelli undoubtedly suits this role at Arsenal as an excellent carrier of the ball. But it’s no real surprise to hear him say he’s been given more freedom for Brazil.
The Arsenal star led the line for Diniz’s men on Friday, which would explain why he felt he had more freedom in the game.