JURRI’S IN: MIK GUILTY OF GENIUS!
ARSENAL’S glory days are just around the corner under Mikel Arteta, according to Jurrien Timber.
Arteta’s Gunners go into the new season looking to rid themselves of the nearly-men tag after finishing second in each of the past three Premier League campaigns.
Dutch full-back Timber said: “With Arteta as our manager, the best times at Arsenal are coming. The culture he has created within this club, with his vision on football at the top level, is bringing Arsenal to new heights.
“Arteta is a top coach. He really improves you as a player. In a short period I have learned so very much.
“He is pushing me massively to get the best out of myself as a person and as a player.”
Timber admitted he leaned heavily on his manager when his first season at the Emirates was wrecked by a cruciate injury he suffered on his Prem debut after his £34million arrival from Ajax in the summer of 2023.
The 24-year-old also called on the services of the sports psychologist he has used since he was a teenager before returning to help the Gunners’ push for trophies last season.
Timber said: “During my entire rehab I felt so much support and trust from Arteta.
“At the start, in the later stages when I was making progress and had the chance to train with the squad again, and as my comeback was near, he was supporting me all the time.
“The trust and help made me feel confident to play again. It is not easy to make your return on the pitch after a cruciate knee ligament injury.
“But I knew that I was at Arsenal for a reason and I did feel fit again.
“Of course, I had my bad moments during that first year. My emotions went up and down. But everyone at the club was great for me.” ■■MARCUS RASHFORD made his La Liga debut for Barcelona last night after beating the clock, just, to be registered in time for their opening game, at Mallorca. The Nou Camp kings failed to get the Old Trafford outcast’s move past regulators until the 11th hour. Rashford came on as a 68th-minute sub in a 3-0 Barca win.