Unai Emery has revealed his reasons for naming Granit Xhaka as the new Arsenal captain.
The Gunners had been without an official skipper since Laurent Koscielny returned to France in the summer transfer window by joining Bordeaux.
Having worn the armband in all but two of Arsenal's eight games across all competitions so far this season, it was widely expected that Xhaka would be confirmed as the new club captain.
An announcement finally came on Friday afternoon, but it's one that has garnered a mixed reaction amongst supporters.
The fact that Xhaka was booed by some fans inside the Emirates Stadium when substituted against Aston Villa last weekend would suggest he's not exactly the most popular choice.
However, Emery has explained why the 27-year-old has been confirmed as the new captain.
"First he's mature. He has experience. We are living every time under pressure, under criticism, as a coach, as a player, as a club. But really the most important thing is to stand up each moment, go ahead with his qualities, with his behaviour, with his commitment," Emery said at his press conference.
"In the dressing room the players voted him as the first leadership. I know, I spoke with him, we want to change that opinion outside. That respect he has inside is very, very important.
"Also show outside, keep moving ahead, playing, improving, behaviour, commitment. Each match is for him, for me, for us, a very good opportunity to show our capacity.
"But really I trust and believe in him. He is a good man. A good professional. A good player.
"Sometimes he makes mistakes. But the most important thing is to analyse, to learn and correct those mistakes. The future is going to say to us.
"Our challenge and his challenge is to change that opinion, above all with a personality and improving each match, improving and giving us his help every time.
Not only did Emery name his new captain, but also the four other players among his five captains for the season.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Hector Bellerin, Alexandre Lacazette and Mesut Ozil are the remaining members of the captaincy group.
