Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero has urged Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to tread carefully with his squad rotation strategy this season, warning that frequent changes between the Premier League and UEFA Champions League could take a toll on players’ mentality if not managed well.
Speaking about Arsenal’s approach of rotating players to prioritise European competition, Aguero insisted the tactic itself is sound. “There is nothing wrong with what Arsenal are proposing,” the former City striker told Football London.
Aguero pointed to his own experience under Pep Guardiola, noting that the Manchester City boss regularly rotated his squad in similar fashion. “Pep also tends to make those changes and play some players in the Premier League and others in the Champions League,” he said. “He did it with Kompany, Otamendi, Bernardo Silva, Gundogan, Mahrez, Sterling and Sane at a point.”
The Argentine star added that Arteta’s methods closely mirror Guardiola’s. “Mikel has an idea that is very similar to Pep’s style. The problem is that sometimes players are in good form and making those changes can affect them mentally. But if it is managed properly, it’s a perfectly reasonable approach.”
Aguero’s comments come as Arsenal look to balance domestic and European campaigns under Arteta this season.