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New Arsenal boss Arteta demands accountability from players

New Arsenal boss Arteta demands accountability from players

Mikel Arteta

Arsenalhavea squad that can be improved but theplayersmust take up responsibility and be accountable for their actions on the pitch if they are to be a part of the club's future plans,newmanager MikelArtetasaid on Monday.

In his firstnews conference last week,Artetahad demanded "passion and energy"fromtheplayersand the Spaniard said he was satisfied with what he saw during Saturday's 0-0 draw at Everton.

Arteta, 37, will make his managerial debut when 11th-placedArsenaltravel to Bournemouth on Thursday.

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"I think that we have a really good team with a lot to improve,"Artetatold reporters. "I need them all on board. All the meetings we've had is to get everyone on board and so far I'm very happy with the reaction."

"What we are going to transmit to the team isaccountabilityto play for this football club. This is the basic... We are much more committed. The body language (in the Everton draw) was much better and they had much more passion, that is non-negotiable."

Artetaconfirmed interimbossFreddie Ljungberg, who took charge for six games following Unai Emery's sacking, will stay on as a member of the coaching staff.

"I spoke to him after the game,"Artetaadded. "I told him who I want to bring in and I wanted to know what he was feeling. We decided the best thing would be for him to carry on with us.

"I knewhim a little and we will start anewchapter and he was very positive."

Artetaalso said midfielder Mesut Ozil was a part of his plans despite Ljungberg's unhappiness over the German's conduct duringArsenal's 3-0 defeat by Manchester City earlier this month.

Ozil kicked his gloves in frustration after being withdrawn in the 59th minute and Ljungberg said his unacceptable conduct would have prevented himfrombeing selected at Everton had he been fit for the match.

"It's a question for Freddie,"Artetasaid. "I just wanted him to pick the best possible lineup for the game. You're not going to be judged on what you done in the past, positive or negative.

"We will try to put the most competitive team out, we are to be ready and nullify them as much as possible."

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