Arteta’s shock at Tuchel axe

MIKEL ARTETA says Thomas Tuchel’s shock sacking as Chelsea boss has reminded him to enjoy every day he remains in a job.

The Arsenal head coach has one of the safest seats in the Premier League given his side are top of the table. But Arteta knows that is no guarantee of longevity and believes Tuchel’s brutal axing just seven games into the season should serve as a warning to rival managers.

‘It was a surprise, yes,’ said Arteta, speaking in the Swiss city of St Gallen ahead of his side’s Europa League opener against FC Zurich. ‘It is always sad for any colleague in this profession to get fired. ‘We have to prepare for it and we have to enjoy the journey. We have to enjoy every day, because you never know what is coming.’ Arsenal are playing Europa League football after surrendering their Champions League place to Tottenham at the end of last season. But midfielder Granit Xhaka said: ‘We want to be in the Champions League, of course, but we are in the Europa League — and it’s time to win.’

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