Arsenal Rotation Could Affect Players Mentally, Aguero Warns Arteta

Former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has warned Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta that excessive squad rotation could affect players’ morale, particularly when they are enjoying strong runs of form.

Arteta has adopted a rotation policy as Arsenal compete on several fronts this season, with the UEFA Champions League reportedly one of the club’s major priorities.

Aguero acknowledged that rotating players is a normal practice among elite managers, pointing to former Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as an example, but cautioned that frequent changes could have psychological consequences for players performing at their best.

“There’s nothing wrong with what Arsenal are proposing [rotating to prioritise the Champions League]. Pep also tends to make those changes,” Aguero said, according to Football London.

“Certain players feature in Premier League matches while others participate in Champions League fixtures. I do not consider this a detrimental strategy. Mikel employs a methodology that closely mirrors Pep’s tactical philosophy.

“The problem is that sometimes players are in good form, and making those changes can affect them mentally. But if it’s managed properly, it’s a perfectly reasonable approach.”

Arteta has overseen an impressive start to the campaign, with Arsenal winning the Community Shield 3-0 against Manchester City before taking maximum points from their opening four Premier League matches.

The Gunners also opened their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Napoli and progressed to the fourth round of the EFL Cup after defeating Ipswich Town 4-2.

However, Arsenal suffered their first setback of the season on Saturday when they were beaten 3-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion at the American Express Stadium.

The defeat came as Arteta continues to balance his squad across domestic and European competitions, with the manager facing increasing demands to maintain Arsenal’s competitiveness on multiple fronts.