EXCLUSIVE | Alexander Hleb Interview: On the North London Derby, Mikel Arteta’s New Contract, and How Barcelona Can Rebuild

Not many players enjoy winding up Tottenham like Belarusian Alexander Hleb. The former Arsenal man joined the Gunners for only £10 million, and by the time he left for Barcelona, he had helped Arsenal beat Spurs home and away for two seasons and had largely enjoyed impressive outings against the Lilywhites.

This weekend presents the first North London derby of the season, with Arsenal desperate for a win to keep them in touch with Manchester City, who are looking to win the league title for the fifth straight time.

Speaking to Telecom Asia from his base in Belarus, Hleb laughed off claims that Spurs were a top team and said Arsène Wenger never really saw them as a massive threat.

Listen, during my time, we took on Spurs like any other team. We didn't do anything special because it was Spurs. We beat them all the time, even when we were not in form. I expect that tradition to continue. The games that gave us sleepless nights were against the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool. We never really had to pay any special attention to Tottenham. I’ll be watching the game this weekend, but just like last season, I’m sure we will beat them because traditionally we are the best side, and we own North London.

Alexander Hleb

There has been some really positive news for the Gunners heading into the game—Mikel Arteta signed a new three-year deal with the club on Thursday. The Spanish manager has been at the Emirates since 2019 and has led them to two consecutive second-place finishes in the league, making them a formidable team behind Manchester City.

Asked what he made of the decision to reward Arteta with a new deal, Hleb said: “Look, the truth is he’s earned the deal. Manchester City and Arsenal are the best two teams in your country. In the past, us old players suffered watching Arsenal, but Mikel has transformed things, so he deserves it. But he needs to keep going as he needs to win something.

I never played with him; I played against him as he came to Arsenal when I had left for Barcelona. But he looked really good tactically every time I saw him play or played against him. I think it’s a Spanish thing and maybe their psychology—if you look at the way they are as coaches, like Pep and even now Cesc Fàbregas is also starting, and Unai Emery is doing great at Villa too. So they are really good, and that has played a role in him being a very good fit for Arsenal.

Alexander Hleb

It’s been more than 20 years since Arsenal won the league, and having come close twice, Hleb says this is the year Mikel needs to make it happen.

I like how Arsenal play, and I’m sure the great man Arsène Wenger would have been delighted that his team is back playing great football. They were fantastic, and they held Manchester City, so hopefully, this is the season because it’s been too long, and they need to try and make it happen this time around. Manchester City will be there for sure, but they have won it three or four times now, so Arsenal will be right to want it. I hope they do it this time around.

Alexander Hleb

One player who has been key to Arsenal’s success is captain Martin Ødegaard, but an injury on international duty means he will be out for the next three weeks.

Hleb, who played in a similar role to the Norwegian during his time with the Gunners, admits Ødegaard is the engine of the team and his absence will be a massive blow: “I love watching the Norwegian. He’s a special player and does things with the ball that are so exciting.

The way he uses space, and you can see the manager likes him and counts on him a lot. I saw that he was injured, which is a bit disappointing, but that is football, and they have to find a way. I also saw that they signed Raheem Sterling from Chelsea, but I did not watch Chelsea that much to be able to tell if he would be a great fit. But if it’s the Sterling with the same form from Manchester City, then what a player. I know some people will say that we need a striker, but if Sterling can contribute the goals we need, then this will be a massive season for us.

Alexander Hleb

After 89 Premier League games in three seasons at Arsenal, Hleb moved to Barcelona, and he was kind enough to speak about how his former team in Spain is doing now under German manager Hansi Flick.

He told Telecom Asia he was impressed with the start of the season but emphasized it was only a start. He said: “It’s not really about how you start the league. I have to admit they have started the season really well, and they are playing well, but they haven’t played a lot of games, and most of the players are really fresh.

We need to see how far they can continue with that, but the promise is there. My message to the players is that this is Barcelona, and this is one of the biggest clubs in the world, so they have to always remember that every time they take to the field.

Alexander Hleb

One of the reasons Barcelona is playing well is the emergence of Lamine Yamal, who has been a breath of fresh air. When asked if he had the potential to have an impact similar to Messi, Hleb said: “Nah, come on, Messi is something different.

Don’t get me wrong; he’s a very good player and can do some really special things, but it’s not fair to compare him to Messi. He had a good Euros and is getting used to playing under pressure. Let’s allow him to play and see how far he can go. Football is about proving yourself every game, and Lamine is young. There is a lot of football ahead of him, but for now, and for me, he’s not at Messi’s level.

Alexander Hleb