Arsenal loanee reflects on Mikel Arteta & “difficult moments” with Gunners | OneFootball

Albert Sambi Lokonga has talked up Mikel Arteta’s managerial methods, whilst admitting he also faced some of the most difficult moments in his career at Arsenal.

Eddie Nketiah and Albert Sambi Lokonga in training with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)

With some time off from his loan at Sevilla over the international break, Arsenal’s Albert Sambi Lokonga spoke to Relevo about his time with the Gunners working under Mikel Arteta.

“He’s very, very intense. And very honest too,” Lokonga said of the Gunners coach.

“He’s the one I’ve worked with the most, and also learned from the most.

“He’s always there if you want to talk, but when you’re on the pitch he demands a lot from you. Although, that’s the only way to manage a team like Arsenal. There’s a lot of demand. People are used to winning. And that’s normal. It’s Arsenal.”

Albert Sambi Lokonga trains with Arsenal (Photo via Lokonga on Instagram)

Things didn’t always go to plan for Lokonga at Arsenal, with the midfielder finding his minutes limited after his first season at the club.

“It was very difficult because all I wanted was to play,” Lokonga admitted.

“I think it was one of the most difficult moments of my career, although I learned a lot. Thanks to all that I am here today.”

That fringe role at Arsenal has led to the 24-year-old’s recent loan spells, playing for Crystal Palace, Luton Town, and now Sevilla.

Albert Sambi Lokonga after signing on loan for Sevilla (Photo via Lokonga on Instagram)

Lokonga returned to the Sevilla squad just before the international break, coming off the bench against Real Betis after an injury absence.

That injury was already the player’s second of the season, having picked up an issue in pre-season that saw him miss the opening game of the competitive campaign.

After returning and making two appearances in late August and early September, Lokonga suffered another setback.

The hope will be that the 24-year-old can stay fit and play regularly this time around.

As a reminder, Sevilla have a £10m option to buy in Lokonga’s loan deal. If he’s not playing consistently, it’s hard to see them deciding to activate it.