Interview Questions for Mikel Arteta

Michael Kenrick
Editorial Team
1 Posted 10/01/2011 at 15:50:48

That sounds great, Ed; of course we'll carry a link to it.

Tough questions from this gang though... these would be mine:

1) Are you still the highest paid Everton player?

2) Did you really want to leave Everton and return to Spain last summer?

3) Why have you been playing so bloody poorly this season?

Steve Smith
2 Posted 10/01/2011 at 15:54:27

1. Is it really that hard to get a ball over a wall from a free kick?
2. Likewise the first man from a corner?
3. Does lifting both hands up just before taking corners actually indicate anything or are you just waving to your Mum?
4. Is it in your contract that you have to take every set piece even when you're playing poorly?

Colin Southern
3 Posted 10/01/2011 at 16:03:53

Come-on don't take the piss lads!

People moan about Everton having a low profile in the media, then when someone comes on asking fans for input, we start taking the piss.

Let's have some genuine questions without any sarcasm or personal agendas.

Erik Dols
4 Posted 10/01/2011 at 16:10:16

To be honest his corners beat the first man most of the time in the last matches.

I'd like to know which striker(s) he prefers/preferred to have in front of him - the headless chicken type like Andy Johnson, which is fine for a midfielder because he'll run at every pass no matter how bad, or the Yak, needs the ball perfect in his feet but when delivered right, it's a goal?

Ian McPherson
5 Posted 10/01/2011 at 16:12:52

1. Why does the lady love Milk Tray?
2. Your wife is hot. (No question)
3. What is the annual rainfall in China.
4. Why are you not arsed playing this season?

James Cadwaladr
6 Posted 10/01/2011 at 16:13:26

1/ Many people have the opinion that you havent been the same player since before your big injury? Do you feel the injury has had an effect on your form and are there any ongoing concerns?

2/ Do you think that Everton FC has had a negative impact on making the Spanish squad?

3/ We heard lots of rumours before the start of the season about the health of your son and your wish to return to Spain. How is he progressing? As Evertonians we hope he is doing very well.

Colin Malone
7 Posted 10/01/2011 at 16:09:14

Is Moyes asking you to play too deep?

Do you think there is the Lampard - Gerrard problem, with you and Fellaini playing together in the same team?

Paul Johnson
8 Posted 10/01/2011 at 16:23:50

1. How many will we beat the Shite by on Sunday?

2. How many will you score.?

3. Will you run to the Kop giving them the two-fingered salute after your first goes in?

Nick Armitage
9 Posted 10/01/2011 at 16:15:55

There is no point submitting an interesting or contentious question, it simply will not be asked.

The only shite that has a chance of being asked are

1) What is your favourite pudding?
2) What members of the Everton staff do you get along with?
3) Which opponent do you like playing against the most?

Arteta's answers would be along the lines of

1) Tiramisu
2) I have so much respect for David Moyes and Bill Kenwright, they are like my adopted parents
3) My friend Pepe Reina

When he would really want to answer

1) Yakubu
2) Any of them who don't stare at my wife's tits and arse
3) Steven Gerrard, when my mate Tim Cahill and I kicked the shit out of the whinging cheating bastard at Goodison before Christmas

Ed Birth
10 Posted 10/01/2011 at 16:41:36

Hi,

It's Ed from lifesapitch.co.uk here. Really looking forward to hearing everyone's questions.

Appreciate that some people may have concerns similar to Nick's above, but please don't hold back too much.

I'm told that Mikel is a very articulate and interesting talker so there's nothing wrong with a few probing questions.

In other interviews we've asked Peter Crouch about Capello's dressing room anger and Gareth Bale about signing for Inter so we certainly won't be dodging all the interesting areas.

As long as the questions are respectful and polite, we'll consider them.

Thanks again!

Ed

Paul Foster
11 Posted 10/01/2011 at 16:53:09

Ed, contrary to the impression given above, Evertonians are not all miserable bleeders.

My questions:

1. Which Everton player, past or present, do you most admire ... and why?
2. Can you describe the feeling of scoring against the Shite (Liverpool, but he's been with us long enough to understand)?
3. Are you any good at any other sports? Fancy a game of table-tennis?

Fran Mitchell
12 Posted 10/01/2011 at 16:44:52

Everton, once again started the season poorly. Do you think this has anything to do with the pre-season training regime? Would you change anything about the training regime at the club?

Everton have recently played 4-4-2 and it seems to have had a positive impact. However when Tim Cahill returns it will spark debate over whether will should revert back to 4-4-1-1 or stick to 4-4-2. With plenty of competition for the centre mid spots, and with Fellaini essentially becoming the first name on the team sheet, it would be easier to revert to 4-4-1-1 and keep yourself and TC happy. What do you think is the best formation for this current Everton set-up?

What does Steve Round do?

James Cadwaladr
13 Posted 10/01/2011 at 17:03:34

Fran @12 Genius.

Ed, please ask what Steve Round does, none of us have scooby doo.

Lee Courtliff
14 Posted 10/01/2011 at 17:05:33

How do you feel you have played this season???????

Sean McKenna
15 Posted 10/01/2011 at 17:16:20

Q1, Do you think Moyes is too negative in his approach to games?

Q2, Why do you think that we haven't been bought out yet by an investor?

Q3, Where do you believe is your best position in the team: right wing or center-mid?

Daniel Cremin
16 Posted 10/01/2011 at 17:28:22

1. Why are you playing in such a deep lying midfield role this season as compared to last

2. Is it your manager's idea or yours to play so deep and if its yours why hasn't he told you to knock it off?

3. When are you going to start playing as an attacking playmaker again and not a defensive utility midfielder?

Tony Wilson
17 Posted 10/01/2011 at 17:32:26

Nick, that's geniue mate.

Mike Oates
18 Posted 10/01/2011 at 17:52:05

1) In your opinion Mikel why are Everton such poor starters in the Premiership Season

2) Everyone agrees that Everton have played good football this season but have few goals to show for it , is it the forwards or has the service been poor.

3) Is David Moyes a right grump as he always seems to be on TV

Mike Allison
19 Posted 10/01/2011 at 17:54:36

Another 'hear hear' to Fran's (12) questions really, certainly 1 & 2.

The third I'd agree with Daniel and ask him if he plays so deep on purpose. As fans we want Fellaini dealing with the back four and Arteta creating in the final third.

Fourth, I'd also like to ask how he feels about his own performances since injury and if he thinks there's more improvement to come.

For a fifth option, would he play wide again if it benefited the team to accommodate Fellaini, Rodwell and either Cahill or a second striker?

Martyn Lewis
20 Posted 10/01/2011 at 18:16:52

Some really good questions lads, not sure we'll get the answers we want though! I'll throw one in to the hat:-

Do you or any of the other players read fansites, ala TW, if so what do you make of the comments and maybe the critisim put across ?

Alan Clarke
21 Posted 10/01/2011 at 18:36:48

If it was last year then i'd have asked if you wanted to shag my wife but because of your poor form Mikky, I'm withdrawing the offer. If you score on Sunday, the offer is back on. At the moment Marouane is first in the queue.

Speaking of Marouane Fellaini, is it true he took a shit on your car?

On a serious note, does Moyes ever take any training on how to actually play in the final 3rd?

Luke Berry
22 Posted 10/01/2011 at 18:15:58

I believe the question pertaining to the rumours surrounding his sons health is a good one.
His form has not been what it usually is this season, and it would indicate his mental state being affected by something. So my vote goes towards that one as a question.

Does he think the new 442 system suits the personnel we have? Would he change it?

Does he believe Jermaine Beckford will succeed at Everton or does he have what it takes?

They would be my shouts. I know they are similar to others, so there is a theme emerging.

Thor Sørensen
23 Posted 10/01/2011 at 19:02:47

I don't see why we would want to bring to his attention that playing for Everton may have contributed to him not getting picked for Spain.

Why talk the club down in any way.

Brian Waring
24 Posted 10/01/2011 at 19:40:15

" Mikel, it must be hard to take, that you are never going to make the Spain squad, because all the midfield players they have at the moment, are all far better than you "

Marc Williams
25 Posted 10/01/2011 at 19:25:31

Ed Birth.... I think questions 1 & 2 from Fran Mitchell ( 12# ) are what most Evertonians I know would like asked of him.

I'd ask : With the Everton chairman & board not even able to find enough money for a loan signings wages, how has this affected the morale & perception of the players, regarding the chances of attaining any success at Everton.

Jon Cox
26 Posted 10/01/2011 at 19:22:04

Mickey, before we learnt of your last injury, you seemed to have a problem with your dead ball kicks. We found out you had a groin problem.

Did you you get over this and is all now well?

Colin O'Keeffe
27 Posted 10/01/2011 at 19:37:47

1. What objectives were set for the team by the management at the beginning of the season (and have they changed)?

2. What are his personal ambitions for the remaining 4 years of his extremely lucrative contract?

3. What does he think about the investment in the playing squad over the last two seasons?

Jon Cox
28 Posted 10/01/2011 at 19:48:31

Since we all love you, Mickey, do you think we're right to slag off the Spanish manager for not including you in the National Squad?

Could you tell us how Steve Round went from making the tea to 2nd in command within two weeks and was it advertised on the boards in the Crosby job centre?

Martin Faulkner
29 Posted 10/01/2011 at 19:53:24

I'd go with #12 Fran Mitchell's 3, if the Steve Round one gets edited then Marc Williams one would be my third pick.

Still wiping the tears from my eyes from Alan Clarke #21

Charles King
30 Posted 10/01/2011 at 20:07:54

Does he know Elvis Presley's "Viva Las Vegas" lends itself perfectly to a ditty in honour of the great man:.

Bright Light Mickey gonna set my soul,
Gonna set my soul on fire,
You make defenders look funny when you get the ball,
Raise our hopes up higher.

There's a thousand pretty women, waiting out there,
Trying to touch our Mickey's thick black hair,
But missus Mickey said "Hey don't you dare,"
Viva Arteta,
Viva Arteta,
Viva Mikel Arteta!

I travel too many long journeys...

Brian Lawlor
31 Posted 10/01/2011 at 21:06:48

Can you ask him who put the ball in the redshite net?

Chris Leyland
32 Posted 10/01/2011 at 21:04:07

Who is your favourite waiter? Manuel off Faulty Towers or Rafel Benitez?

How has David Moyes coped with the fact that he is no longer the most dour, miserable scottish manager in Merseyside?

Is Yak pregnant?

Liam Appleby
33 Posted 10/01/2011 at 21:47:39

Has Moyes heard what MK has been saying about him on here?

Jimmy Hacking
34 Posted 10/01/2011 at 18:00:08

Ha ha had a feeling a few of you kerrazy lot couldn't resist suggesting a few "interesting" questions (Nick #9 - quality!)

Here are my suggestions:

1) After a series of impressive performances against the so-called "big clubs" in recent seasons, How close do you feel Everton are for mounting a serious title challenge in the near future? Is the club catching up with the Likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, or drifting further behind?

2) Under David Moyes, Everton have a deserved reputation for excelling in the face of adversity; Do you and the other players take a personal pride in the team's "underdog" status, and is it especially satisfying to defeat a massive-spending side such as Manchester City recently? Or is this attitude something best avoided if the club are going to progress and begin winning trophies?

Moira McDonough
35 Posted 10/01/2011 at 22:08:51

In keeping with the type of questions that are usually answered, I would like Mikel to be asked where would he take his family on a sight seeing tour of the city ? apart from a tour of Goodison, of course.

Mike Dillon
36 Posted 10/01/2011 at 22:18:05

I'd like to know where he himself thinks his best position is and how he prefers to play.

Larry Boner
37 Posted 10/01/2011 at 22:23:04

Chris Leyland, you spelt Fawlty Towers incorrectly, its actually spelled Flowery Twats, which strangely enough that is who we are playing on Sunday. Let's hope Dalglish is as successful as Basil.

My questions for Arteta:

1. Have you lost the ability to beat a man due to your injury?

2. Were you asked to play the Cahill support role against West Ham?

3. Your penalty technique is good, why are you struggling with free-kicks and corners?

Roman Sidey
38 Posted 10/01/2011 at 22:26:28

Something along the lines of:

At 28 going on 29, chances of making the Spain squad are becoming unlikely. While it must be nice to see your country lift the World Cup Trophy, did Spain's victory last July have any effect on you in terms of attitude or motivation?

James I'Anson
39 Posted 10/01/2011 at 22:57:37

Same as Sean McKenna 15 and question from Martyn Lewis 20 would be interesting. Actually you could add to that question. "If so, does anyone at the club post on Toffeeweb."

Andy Burke
40 Posted 10/01/2011 at 22:55:49

Some really funny questions on here guys, thanks for putting a smile on my face this evening.

Of the serious questions, I like Fran Mitchell's first two.

I also like the question about lack of funding affecting Morale.

I like the question about his son and would like to hear that he is doing OK.

I would also like to ask:

Given that Everton seem to do well against the so-called big teams yet struggle against the smaller ones, do the players now think it is their right to walk over the smaller teams without really having to put in a shift on the pitch? If they don't, why is the team performing so badly against so-called lesser opponents?

The team seemed really up for it against Spurs ? more so than any match this season. Did David Moyes's pre-match talk change in any way compared to previous games? i.e. did he in anyway inspire that performance?

What are David Moyes's half time talks like? Are they calm? Does he just stand in the corner or stare? Does the kit man have to make sure there are no stray boots in the changing room?

David Moyes always seems to be on the edge of the touchline shouting orders at the players. Do you think that this method in anyway undermines the players' confidence?

I know there are more than 3 there but what the hell.

Apologies if the above is peppered with spelling mistakes and / or typos, I am in a rush to get to bed.
[ Not now, lad ? the Editor Fairy has fixed 'em all!]

Jon Cox
41 Posted 10/01/2011 at 23:14:31

Larry (37) I thought it was Fatty owls, with a few letters on the floor.

Also I think Dogleash is more like the major.

Max Main
42 Posted 10/01/2011 at 23:53:21

My question:

When you signed your new contract, did Everton/Moyes/Kenwright make any promises about taking the club forward/signing new players/actually spending any money in the future? They must have made some promises, surely.

Larry Boner
43 Posted 10/01/2011 at 23:50:38

Jon, did you know (because I did not) that the only true anagram in the series, using all the letters of Fawlty Towers, is Flowery Twats?
Anagram of Kenny Dalglish,
"DYING HELL SANK
Let's hope that's what happens Sunday.

Carlos Camacho
44 Posted 11/01/2011 at 01:00:44

My questions:
1) Do you read ToffeeWeb everyday and provide insight to DM from all the experts here?
2) Will you be loaned to the LA Galaxy?

Eric Myles
45 Posted 11/01/2011 at 02:13:36

He's never going to answer questions honestly that will put the Club, DM, BK or any other players, down.

Jamie Sweet
46 Posted 11/01/2011 at 03:54:20

Have you ever stroked Fellaini's hair? What does it actually feel like? It looks quite bouncy.

Has Tony Hibbert ever scored in training? Did it cause a riot?

Remember when you were absolutely awesome? Any chance of you being that awesome again please?

Have you ever tried to point out to Pienaar what has happened to Lescotts career since leaving Goodison - following up with the phrase "the grass isn't always greener Stephen"?

Christopher McCullough
47 Posted 11/01/2011 at 05:30:51

Why do you support Athletico Madrid rather than Basque team?

The Steve Round question.

What are Bily's best qualities in training?

Ever go to the West End with Bill Kenwright?

Jason Lam
48 Posted 11/01/2011 at 07:10:47

Do you have any weird rituals before each game?

Jags or Heitinga? Fellaini or Arteta?

Pick your Everton first 11.

Paul Gladwell
49 Posted 11/01/2011 at 08:21:39

Ask him do the players read this website or other Everton based sites and tell him to tell Moyes he should do if he does not, as we have been telling him to go 4-4-2 for ages, just like we told him to play Coleman in midfield, Arteta in the centre, Heitinga in defence not centre mid and Fellaini in his normal role when he thought he was a forward and that Cahill is not a wide player no matter how bad an injury list we have.

Ian Tunstead
50 Posted 11/01/2011 at 08:42:01

Sometimes this site makes me feel ashamed reading some of the garbage spouted.

A few months ago people on here were crying and begging Arteta to stay and sign his new contract, he has a dip in form as all great players do from time to time and everybody cant wait to get on his back and dig the knife in. Arteta could have been on his bike years ago to much better sides and for much more money but chose to be loyal and end his career at Everton, so please do what supporters are supposed to do and support him. Not many players have contributed to improving Everton over the last 10 years so show some respect.

Paul Gladwell
51 Posted 11/01/2011 at 08:56:28

Totally agree Ian, Arteta will turn it around, I actually thought he did quite well against Spurs and yet all around me in the Park End were slaughtering him, I think his wage has a big thing on this, but no matter what he is on he could so easily have jumped ship but the lad never.

Ed Staunton
52 Posted 11/01/2011 at 09:26:13

1. I would like an insight in to Moyes?s tactics: does he preach safety first as many on this site think?

2. Why do the team look half-arsed in some games (eg, Newcastle) when we know they can really play with skill & passion (eg, Spurs)? Is it because the players think they are so good they don?t have to show the right attitude all the time?

3. What one thing would you change at Everton to improve things?

Laurie Hartley
53 Posted 11/01/2011 at 10:04:54

1. If you were manager for the day what would be your team be against the dark side this Sunday?

2. If Phil Neville goes to Spurs who would you make club captain?

3. Who in your opinion, regardless of position, is the best footballer at Everton?

Andrew Laird
54 Posted 11/01/2011 at 10:15:11

1) How many cones can Steve Round put out in a minute?
2) How much input do the players have on tactics and formations?
3) Do you and the other players have to hide all your valuables in case Bill Kenwright sells them off?

Duncan McDine
55 Posted 11/01/2011 at 10:36:44

1. What did the players really think about the Kirkby project... were they as split on the idea as us fans?

2. When you first joined Everton, did you beleive you could become such a big player for us?

3. Do the players feel as frustrated with the chairman's failed attempts at securing investment in the club?

Alan Clarke
56 Posted 11/01/2011 at 10:56:37

Ian, perhaps we should pay him more. You can fuck right off with all the crap you've just written. Nearly everyone inside Goodison can only dream of earning in a year what Arteta is paid in a week. And because of that, you should be ashamed defending him.

If Arteta thinks his level of performance has been acceptable this season considering what he earns then he can do one to one of these other so called interested clubs. If Arteta thinks it is acceptable not to be able to get the ball past the first man at every corner and then hide for the large majority of games whilst picking up a monstrous wage then I'm sorry but he deserves every bit of stick that comes his way. Arteta is paid that much because he is supposed to be our most influential player. This year, Arteta has not just been poor by his own standards, he has been poor by the standards of a professional footballer.

So my serious question would be:

Considering how much you earn and the level expected of you to play for our great club, can you honestly say you've given it your all this season in every game? If you answer yes then you're a liar as well as a thief. Pull you finger out Arteta and start playing like the player we know you can be.

Ian Tunstead
57 Posted 11/01/2011 at 11:17:57

Alan the only crap written on here is what you have just come out with.

Have you never kicked a ball in your life? Sometimes no matter hard you try it just doesnt happen. For all kinds of reasons a player can have a dip in form and can struggle to play at their normal level. He is not a machine that will play at 10/10 every week.
Look at Torres this season compared to his first season for Liverpool, look at Berbatov this season compared to his first at Man Utd. Form is temporary, class is permanent. The moment you start getting rid of good players while having a dip in form is the moment this club would drop like a stone down the table.

If you dont think he should be paid so much then dont go the game. If thousands if people want to go the game and pay hundreds of pound every year then its up to the club how they spend it. If Moyes and the club believe Arteta deserves his wages for his great sevice over the years then that is their decision to make. 70 000 a week is nothing to what he could be earning.

Stephen Kenny
58 Posted 11/01/2011 at 11:38:48

Q1. What do you feel Everton need to do to break into the champions league placings?

Q2. What was YOUR finest Goodison moment?

Q3. In terms of ability where would you rate the current squad.

Other things I'd be interested to know are, what is your best everton 11 since your time here?, at what point in your career will you go back to Spain?, Will you go into coaching/management when you retire?

Alan Clarke
59 Posted 11/01/2011 at 12:01:20

Oh right Ian, if Moyes thinks he deserves it then he must deserve it! Crap again Ian. The criticism aimed at Torres is the same as what is being aimed at Arteta. Neither are putting the work in. Berbatov has come good this season because he's started working harder for the team. No one is doubting Arteta's ability, he's just a lazy bastard this year who doesn't look arsed. Same with the ladyboy at livepool.

"Sometimes no matter how hard you try it just doesnt happen." Regardless of money, I think the least we ask for at Everton is that you try hard. If Arteta can't kick the fucking ball past the first man at EVERY freekick and corner then he's not putting it in on the training ground. Apparently Beckham stays late after every training session to practice his deadball delivery hence why he is so good at it. Does Arteta do that? No.

I can't stand players who hide and avoid responsibility. Some of the best loved players at Everton have not been the most gifted but they've been the ones who've grafted and put a shift in. Take Cahill, if Arteta put in the same effort as him, he would not be getting this amount of criticism. He might even be looking at an international call up if he turned up for a game bothered.

The fact Arteta held the club to ransom over the summer and now for the most part doesn't even bother to put any effort in is showing a complete lack of respect for the club and fans. I'm not going to stop going the game Ian but I am with those who demand more of the players who have the privilege of putting on that blue jersey.

Denis Richardson
60 Posted 11/01/2011 at 12:10:15

Questions that are on the edge but askable (if that is a word);

1) You have been playing a lot deeper this season than in the past, which has meant you have been less of an attacking threat so far this season. Was this a coaching decision from the manager and/or coaches and how do you feel about it?

2) What was the reaction of the players when they saw the team sheet against West Ham and realised there was no recognised striker in the starting 11 - even though there were 3 on the bench?

3) If you were playing Championship Manager as the manager of Everton this season, what would your starting 11 be against Liverpool this weekend and how would you want them to play?

Hopefully the CM bit in the 3rd question above means that it makes it easier to ask and answer.

looking forward to the final questions and answers.

Cheers

Tim Kirk
61 Posted 11/01/2011 at 12:27:01

What the hell does Moyes (and/or Round) say at half time that means we always play rubbish and often concede a goal within 5 minutes of the restart?

Daniel Johnson
62 Posted 11/01/2011 at 12:23:21

1.) How do you cope with the dour negative tactics of David Moyes after growing up in Spain with cultured coaching and the emphasis on pass and move?

2.) How do you feel about playing the 4-5-1 and 4-6-0 formations?

3.) Is Steve Round up to the job as coach of EFC as past history shows his record at club and national level is shocking?

4.) What goes so badly wrong every pre-season at Everton, why does it take so long to get going?

5.) How do you feel every pre-season when you see no new players comig in but all your rivals are blowing huge budgets?

Daniel Johnson
63 Posted 11/01/2011 at 12:28:59

Alternate questions

1.) Is it true James Beattie ate 30 pies for a bet?

2.) Did Thomas Gravesen have an imaginary friend called Hermut?

3.) Is Phil Neville still called 'tea bag' and is he still a tight arse with his money?

4.) Is it true there is a naked poster of Kenwright's Mrs in the dressing room?

5.) Who's the better footballer ? Claire Sweeney or Tony Hibbert?

6.) Did the lads do anything exciting for Yak's 50th?

Thomas Christensen
64 Posted 11/01/2011 at 12:31:56

When Kenwright said "looking 24 / 7" what did he actually mean??

As playmaker, do you take any responsibility that strikers do so poorly in the team?

Brian Waring
65 Posted 11/01/2011 at 12:50:08

"Arteta could have been on his bike years ago to much better sides and for much more money, but chose to be loyal and end his career at Everton."

Ian, like you, I think Arteta will come good, and is just going through a bad patch. But, what you said above, is that just your opinion, because I can remember media rumours, but I can't remember any teams who were better than us, making any concrete bids for Arteta? Also, he did sign a new contract, and whilst there may have been some loyalty involved, I also think £75k a week in wages probably played the biggest part.

Mike Rourke
66 Posted 11/01/2011 at 13:32:29

"2.) Did Thomas Gravesen have an imaginary friend called Hermut?"

Out of order but I genuinely LOL'ed

Tony J Williams
67 Posted 11/01/2011 at 13:25:38

1) What's your favourite pizza topping?

2) How do you make your hair glisten like that?

3) What colour kit do you prefer to play in?

Boring, pointless questions that have more of a chance to be asked/answered then the pertinent ones about formation/tactics etc

Finally, who bought Seamus's voice for him?. get a refund and get him a young man's voice, not the oap one he has now.

James McGlone
68 Posted 11/01/2011 at 13:55:59

I have a good one.

Does it make you depressed when you read all the bile spouted by the usual grumpy oul whores on Toffeeweb?

Sean Condon
69 Posted 11/01/2011 at 14:43:19

1. If your play doesn't improve this season will you give some of your salary back?

2. Have you just lost fucking interest? Or have you fallen out with Moyes?

3. I think you are carrying an injury b/c I simply can't credit that you have become such a shitty player overnight without one. What's wrong?

Brian Waring
70 Posted 11/01/2011 at 14:50:32

James, his reply would probalby be, "No, as long as my fucking huuuuuge £75k, is in my arse pocket every week."

Max Main
71 Posted 11/01/2011 at 16:25:30

Alan Clarke - Arteta held Everton to ransom over the summer?

Suggest you read this: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/148928/Mikel-Arteta-chose-Everton-over-Man-City-and-Arsenal/

The relevant quotes:

?It wasn?t for financial reasons. If that was the case, I wouldn?t be here now."

?I have never used any other club to get more from Everton or to leave Everton.?

Or from another article:

"
"I said to the club 'If you want to sell me this is the best time' but they were really confident and showed me a lot of respect and that is really hard to get somewhere else."

If that's holding the club to ransom then I don't think Arteta should go into terrorism when he retires.

Brian Williams
72 Posted 11/01/2011 at 16:34:34

1) How did you come by your really convincing Spanish accent considering you were brought up two doors from Rayne Wooney.

2) Will you call Reina a complete "cono" during the game at the weekend? (It needs the little squiggle over the "n" but I don't know how to do it!

3) Are you and Timmy an item? (No offence like)

Ed Birth
73 Posted 11/01/2011 at 17:30:14

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to say thanks for all the questions.

I'll be going through all the questions with Mike (our interviewer) this evening and we'll try and get as many asked as we can when we meet him tomorrow.

Some really interesting themes around his form this season, his more defensive role within Moyes's system, his partnership with Fellaini, his injury problems etc.

We're hoping to have the filmed interview published at some point on Thursday and we'll of course let everyone know when it's up there.

Thanks again

Ed

http:///www.lifesapitch.co.uk

John Shaw
74 Posted 11/01/2011 at 17:49:30

Ed,

Thanks for the opportunity to participate.

John.

Jim Long
75 Posted 11/01/2011 at 19:08:16

Ed, the questions that Michael Kenrick and Steve Smith asked at the start are actually the questions people want answered!

If you're looking for some crappy questions about favourite records and that sort of thing then I'd suggest your media skills are no better than a childs, because that's the sort of shit an eight year old would come up with if you asked them to interview a player!

What a pile of cack mate...

Michael Kenrick
Editorial Team
76 Posted 11/01/2011 at 21:18:40

Ed, I'll echo John's sentiment rather than Jim's... I said we'd be a tough crowd, and you've got a great range of questions, from sublime to ridiculous...

But don't you think it's a bit early, Jim, to judging the end product. Give them a chance and see what they produce, eh?

Andrew Conroy
77 Posted 11/01/2011 at 21:11:07

'Did the lads do anything exciting for Yak's 50th? '

Amazing!!

1. Does Heitinga dress his World Cup medal up in your wife's clothing and whisper sweet nothings to it?

2. Which was the best Christmas party experience: Tony Hibbert and Shandy duetting on 'No Limits', or Pip and Moyes' Hinge and Bracket impression?

3. What went on with Per Kroldrup?

Ian Tunstead
78 Posted 11/01/2011 at 23:31:45

Alan

Arteta seems to be working as hard as he always has in my eyes, the difference being he?s not getting as much of the ball because the central midfield area has been over crowded with Fellaini, Arteta and Rodwell. Fellaini seems to be taking up the positions Arteta used to, it seems to be a similar situation to Gerraard and Lampard when playing for England, they don?t appear to be able to play as well as they are capable when in the same team.

Berbatov has come good because he has finally settled into the team and regained his confidence, its nothing to do with working harder, are you saying it took him a whole season to think ?I know why i was crap all season, I didn?t work hard enough, I will worker harder now and all will come good.? Why didn?t he think of this half way through last season?
As for bringing hearsay about Beckham into this in a debate about wages, (the highest paid player of all time), so he should stay after training and practice his corners. Maybe if Arteta was on Beckham's wages he might do the same. Either way Arteta is a far superior player to Beckham the most over rated player in the history of the game.

James Cadwaladr
79 Posted 12/01/2011 at 11:28:01

Ian, behave about Beckham.

Ian Tunstead
80 Posted 12/01/2011 at 12:09:46

Haha

I knew the Beckham supporters would come out of the woodwork to protect him. You would think he was Bobby Moore or something.

Marc Williams
81 Posted 12/01/2011 at 11:54:46

Daniel Jonson 63# ..... No need to waste your excellent questions in this interview as the answers are well known.

1) Yes 'Biffa' did eat 30 pies, as the warm up man for Yak, at the Pukka Pies annual sales awards ceremony.

2) Tommy's imaginary friend Hermut is currently number 6 on the FBI's most wanted list & was last reported running a secluded motel in Arizona. Apparently he likes to sit in a rocking chair, dressed as a nanna 'our Wayne' used to know. Sadly though, Hermut keeps 'Mad dog' chained in the yard outside.

3) His nickname is not 'tea bag' but 'carpet bag' and he'll shortly be getting it filled with cash by a dodgy dealin' geezer in Tottenham.

4) Yes, there is a poster of Bill's naked missus in the dressing room. For the last nine years he's been trying 24/7 to remove it... so it's still there.

5) An interesting story this one. For Yak's 50th they dressed him up as a young looking 'schoolgirl honee', complete with pleated mini & knee socks. The plan was to then go clubbing in Southport. Unfortunately a very rough looking scouser spoilt everyone's evening. After (Not!?!) decking the DJ, this idiot spent the night lunging around the dancefloor, with both feet off the ground. Apparently he wouldn't leave Yak alone as alledgedly 'she' was just this unkown lad's type!
Don't know what went on but Yak is now rumoured to be going to stay with an aunty (if you know what I mean), in Leicester of all places, for a while!?!

Marc Williams
82 Posted 12/01/2011 at 12:53:39

Sorry Daniel number 5 above should be number 6.

The actual answer to 5) is .... Claire Sweeney at right back as she doesn't get skinned so much when playing against the Sky 4. However as a makeshift centreback Hibbo, as Claire gets distracted giving Jonny H 90 minuite make overs !

Hope this clears things up & fully answers your questions.

Stephen Kenny
83 Posted 12/01/2011 at 13:25:45

Marc, Were do you drink? Just so I know not to go there! Genius!

Michael/Lyndon - has TW ever considered doing Interviews/Q&A's with players, managers, club officials etc?

Marc Williams
84 Posted 12/01/2011 at 14:20:39

Stephen Kenny... I've given up drinking fella, apparently It made me talk utter shite & made-up stories.

Right... that's the lunchtime session over... hic!

Tony Wilson
85 Posted 12/01/2011 at 20:51:42

Ian T, well said. I am bored to death with this villifying players besuase they are paid so much.

Message to the "player-haters": pro footballers in the top leagues are paid huge sums of money because the market they exist within dictates this. Would you rather see Sky or, God forbid, the FA raking in all of these millions? As long as the media/TV/advertising axis is a far-reaching and irrepressable force in our world, a superstar culture will exist. If you are pissed off with the superstar culture that allows vast salaries to proliferate I can empathise, but sadly this is the modern world.

It should go without saying that superstars are not superheroes, but it seems that this needs saying, so...SUPERSTARS ARE NOT SUPERHEROES (the latter being a fictional term)!

Oh, and I think Mikel is a decent man. You should too.

Cheers

Jimmy Hacking
86 Posted 13/01/2011 at 10:35:35

Tony #85 ? pro footballers in the top leagues are paid huge sums of money because they are amoral, greedy mercenaries.

If Everton were to go into administration due to our unbearable debt, are you honestly telling me that Arteta would feel guilty about the £3 million pounds a year he hoovers out of the club's coffers, on top of the millions he demands we pay to his agent every time he renegotiates his contract? Would he shite. He wouldn't spare a thought for the heartbroken fans, he'd just toddle off to some other bunch of suckers and resume normal duties.

John Campbell
87 Posted 13/01/2011 at 16:46:10

Dear Mikel Arteta, I am of the opinion that you are not yet fully recovered from the shocking injury you picked up at Newcastle, and that this is the main reason for you not playing so well this season. Is this true? Do you keep picking up niggly injuries such as the hamstring strain you were out with? Do you no longer have the same confidence in your knee? Also, who is the dirtiest player you have played against in the Prem? Which chippy do you go in before the match?

Tony Wilson
88 Posted 13/01/2011 at 17:27:49

Jimmy, #86, if you honestly believe the players are immoral, greedy mercenaries then how can you support the club? You might not go the game (?), but you are obviously a fan otherwise you wouldn't have passionate views about EFC.

If you do go the game then I have a suggestion: don't go, and instead read a book about economics.

Damn right Arteta wouldn't feel guilty if the club went under! He works for them and they pay him what he is worth to them. If you played for Everton and had Arteta's ability, would you accept less money than Heitinga or Saha? No chance. As for his agent, they need agents to make sure the CEO/Chaiman don't pay them less than they are worth so as they can line their own pockets with TV rights and advertising money (match tickets don't keep the club afloat). So, looks like you'll have to ditch your Sky TV now too.

The fact is he could probably have gone to Arsenal or City and made more money. He didn't. In a game that features players like Balotelli, Tevez, and Adebayor, Arteta is a ray of light.

The hatred some fans have for players is out of proportion, to the point that I don't really enjoy going the match anymore. If Mikel were to read this stream I would be embarassed to admit I was a fan.

All the best

Jamie Tulacz
89 Posted 13/01/2011 at 20:40:22

Interview now on the site under the following link: http://www.lifesapitch.co.uk/features/interviews/lifes-a-pitch-meets-mikel-arteta

Comes across as a nice fella, quite thoughtful and intelligent. Good to see the Toffeeweb questions get a mention too (at the end and a few during)!

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