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Covid Era Gave Arteta Space to Revive Arsenal, Says Kroenke
Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke says the Covid era gave Arteta space to revive Arsenal during the behind-closed-doors pandemic period, acknowledging for the first time that the absence of fan pressure allowed manager Mikel Arteta to navigate “growing pains” that might otherwise have derailed the rebuilding project. Speaking in a wide-ranging interview after Arsenal won their first Premier League title in 22 years, Kroenke reflected on two eighth-placed finishes, the 2020 FA Cup win, and the structural decisions that transformed what he called a “sleeping giant.” Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday.
What Kroenke Said
Kroenke, whose Kroenke Sports and Entertainment group took full control of Arsenal in 2018, said the pandemic created conditions that allowed Arteta’s long-term vision to take hold without the immediate pressure of a full stadium.
“I don’t know if I would ever acknowledge it, or Mikel or anybody, there was something about Mikel having a little bit of what I would say ‘space’ during Covid when there weren’t fans around,” Kroenke said Kroenke interview, May 2026.
“There were some growing pains that went on during matches, different moments, and obviously, we won the FA Cup, but to not have that extra pressure of fans being on top of you at different points in time when we were going through different growth phases was probably something I don’t think any of us would acknowledge in the moment. But, looking back, I think we can say ‘maybe that was a little bit of a benefit’.”
Arteta, a former Arsenal player, took his first senior managerial role in December 2019. After winning the FA Cup in 2020, Arsenal finished eighth in the league in two consecutive seasons — results that under normal circumstances would have generated intense fan pressure.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal transformation — from eighth place to champions
The Baku Turning Point
Kroenke identified the 2019 Europa League final — a 4-0 defeat to Chelsea in Baku — as the moment he and his father, Stan Kroenke, accepted the club needed fundamental change.
“Seeing that happen was the first time I came back from that trip, and I told my dad that I think we need to really embrace where we are,” Kroenke said. “Now that we have 100% of the club, we might need to take a step back to go forward at some point.”
After that final, Kroenke asked then-Arsenal manager Per Mertesacker how Arsenal could sign a transformative defender similar to Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk. Mertesacker replied: “Unless you’ve got 100 million quid, you better not be thinking about him.” When Kroenke asked who the best young defender in Europe was, Mertesacker answered without hesitation: “William Saliba” Kroenke interview, May 2026.
Saliba joined Arsenal aged 18 in July 2019 for £27 million from Saint-Etienne and developed into a key member of the title-winning defence.
William Saliba — how the £27m signing became the foundation of Arsenal’s title win
The Culture Shift
Kroenke acknowledged the difficulties of the club’s transition after Arsène Wenger’s departure in 2018, including fan protests and the “We Care, Do You?” movement that questioned the owners’ commitment.
“We went through a big transition from Arsene, obviously a legendary person and manager. Transitioning to a new era after 22 years was going to be difficult,” Kroenke said. He also cited the departure of chief executive Ivan Gazidis as an “underestimated” factor.
“I knew we were a sleeping giant that we needed to awaken in some way,” Kroenke said. He acknowledged being aware of the “Banter Era” label applied to Arsenal during the club’s fallow years. “The instantaneous information, the ‘Banter Era,’ I’m aware of all this. I turned 46 last week. I’ve grown up around this, and I’ve seen it all from my own perspective.”
On the season-defining VAR decision that ruled out West Ham’s late goal with three games remaining, Kroenke said: “I was on my hands and knees in my living room. It was a moment where I think every Arsenal supporter worldwide held their breath.”
Arsenal’s first title in 22 years: the moments that defined the season
What Comes Next
Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday. Kroenke made clear the club would not rest on its achievements.
“When you win something, the sun’s still going to come up the next day. You’ve got to get back to work, and there are many teams trying to gain on you, including some historically great ones around the Premier League,” he said. “We’re going to look to strengthen because we know that teams around us are going to get better. If you’re not trying to continually evolve and improve, you’re standing still.”
He added: “Should we get a great result on Saturday, it’s not going to change or affect who we are.”
Kroenke on Arteta and Arsenal 2026
What did Josh Kroenke say about the Covid era?
Kroenke said the behind-closed-doors pandemic period gave Arteta “space” to develop the team without fan pressure during difficult moments, including two eighth-placed finishes.
How did Arsenal sign William Saliba?
After the 2019 Europa League final defeat, Kroenke asked Per Mertesacker who the best young defender in Europe was. Mertesacker named Saliba, who joined for £27 million from Saint-Etienne.
What was the turning point for the Kroenkes at Arsenal?
Kroenke identified the 4-0 Europa League final defeat to Chelsea in Baku in 2019 as the moment he and his father accepted the club needed to “take a step back to go forward.”
When did Arsenal last win the Premier League?
Arsenal won their first Premier League title in 22 years this season. Their previous title came in 2004 under Arsène Wenger.
What is next for Arsenal?
Arsenal play Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday. Kroenke said the club plans to strengthen in the summer transfer window.
Written by the Football Desk, drawing on an exclusive interview with Josh Kroenke. The desk has covered Arsenal’s transformation under Mikel Arteta and Kroenke Sports and Entertainment’s ownership since 2018.
Source: Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, Arsenal FC