Bundesliga boss claims Arsenal man is a ‘rebel’ going through ‘football puberty’

Pal Dardai Hertha Berlin boss

Hertha Berlin boss Pal Dardai insists Matteo Guendouzi insists hot-headed Arsenal loanee Matteo Guendouzi is still a “work in progress” – casting more doubts over his chances of a permanent move to the Bundesliga side.

The French midfielder moved to the Bundesliga side at the start of the season, having fallen out with Mikel Arteta. Guendouzi’s initial axing by Arteta raised a few eyebrows at the time. That’s after he’s established himself as a solid member of the side under previous boss Unai Emery.

However, it seems Arteta isn’t the only one who has struggled to tame Guendouzi. Indeed, his boss at Hertha, Dardai, has branded the on-loan Arsenal man something of a ‘wild animal’.

Furthermore, he claims the youngster remains something of a work in progress.

“It’s like puberty for him, he’s kind of a rebel,” Dardai told Bild. “He has to work and learn like an animal.”

Recent reports have suggested Arsenal have made Guendouzi one of four high-profile stars they are willing to sell.

And with the Gunners seeking a fee of around €20m for the Frenchman, it remains to be seen whether Hertha can afford his fee.

Guendouzi though has made 17 appearances for the capital club so far – 14 of which have come as a starter.

However, he came off the bench during the weekend’s defeat to RB Leipzig and almost gifted them a second after losing possession on the edge of his own area.

Dardai is aware work needs to be done on the player’s game. Furthermore, doubt has been cast of Guendouzi’s transfer hopes after some less-than-appreciated antics in training.

“In training, I always stop these kind of duels because you can’t fall to the ground like this. And, afterwards, he’s mad,” Dardai added.


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Guendouzi glad to escape Arsenal

With a path back to Arsenal looking unlikely, Guendouzi admitted earlier this season that he was glad to get a fresh chance elsewhere.

“I needed to have fun on the pitch, to regain confidence and that’s what Hertha offers me. It really is a choice I made,” the midfielder said.

Matteo Guendouzi Hertha Berlin on loan from Arsenal

“In the space of two seasons I have played more than 80 games with Arsenal.

“When you play less, you start to think and it hurts.”

Guendouzi also says that he has ambitions of representing his country at senior level. The Frenchman has earned caps at Under-18, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level.

“It was a dream since I was little. Being part of it was wonderful,” he said.

“I still have in the back of my mind to earn a lot more selections, and to be important in the future.”

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