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Arteta resolves tension between Declan Rice and assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg

Jan 16, 2026, 11:41 AM20
(Update: Jan 16, 2026, 12:36 PM)
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association football club in London, England
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Arteta resolves tension between Declan Rice and assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg

  • Arsenal defeated Chelsea 3-2 in the Carabao Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge.
  • Declan Rice had a heated exchange with assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg, but Mikel Arteta confirmed they resolved the matter quickly.
  • With a strong team performance, Arsenal aims to maintain its lead in the Premier League and advance in the cup competitions.
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Story

In a recent Carabao Cup semi-final match held at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge, Arsenal emerged victorious with a 3-2 win. During halftime, a tense exchange occurred between Declan Rice and assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg, captured by television footage, leading to concerns about their relationship. However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta quickly downplayed the incident, indicating that all was resolved by the time he learned of it. The subsequent long embrace between Rice and Stuivenberg after Rice was substituted further confirmed the harmony within the team. Currently, Arsenal maintains its position at the top of the Premier League and is on track to advance in the domestic cup competition, showcasing both momentum and consistency this season. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres, who has faced challenges during his debut season with Arsenal, marked his return to form with a goal and an assist in the same match against Chelsea. Arteta has called on Gyokeres to build upon this improved performance, emphasizing the expectations placed on him as a key player within the squad. Gyokeres’ previous success at Sporting Lisbon raises the standards expected of him at Arsenal, and Arteta's support could be critical in helping Gyokeres find his best form moving forward. The manager also noted that despite injuries affecting the squad, the team is looking forward to upcoming competitions and continues to strive for success across multiple fronts. The combination of resolving interpersonal tensions and bolstering player confidence has allowed Arsenal to create a positive atmosphere as they aim for titles in various competitions. The manager’s leadership and ability to address conflicts effectively can help solidify team cohesion and trust, factors key to long-term success in high-stakes competitions like the Premier League and Champions League. With the next Premier League fixture on the horizon, Arsenal's performance and team dynamics will be put to the test once again as they face off against Nottingham Forest. The commitment shown by the players to maintain high standards is essential for the club as it seeks to achieve its goals this season.

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