Scotland international fullback Kieran Tierney has credited Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for his overall growth and development as a player. While injuries have hindered the progress of the former Celtics man, he still has made great progress at the Emirates.
Tierney has emerged as a key player for the Gunners only at the age of 23 and it proves that he will only get better from here. Even Arteta feels that there is a lot of potential yet to be unlocked as the Scottish left-back is gradually becoming one of the mainstays at the club.
Currently, the former Celtics man is preparing himself for the upcoming Euros. He recently gave an interview to the Scottish Sun where he opened up on his experience of playing under Mikel Arteta.
“I listen to everything the manager tells me, word for word. I love working with him, he’s helped me massively.
“If you can see the differences in my game in the last 18 months or so it’s because of Mikel Arteta and what his coaching staff have been telling me to do.
“I’ve been working on their advice every day. I’m really grateful for what the gaffer’s done for me.”
Tierney has been working really hard for Arsenal but now he has to show an equal level of commitment for his national team as Scotland will go up against the big boys. The 23-year-old credits Arteta for always encouraging him and motivating him to do well.
“I had a meeting with the Arsenal manager and he just told me, ‘Go and express yourself with Scotland, enjoy yourself, bring energy to the team, bring energy to the camp,” he opened up on his last interaction with Arteta as he heads to the Euros.
“He’s always so supportive of me, and tremendously positive. The manager always brings the best out of me.
“With regards to Scotland for the Euros he also said, ‘Give everything you have, that’s how you get the best out of yourself, and it will help the team the most, ” concluded Tierney.
It was a very rough season for the Gunners as they finished eighth in the Premier League standings. However, Tierney had some good spells of play and the youngster credits the manager for all his improvements.
