Hector Bellerin has praised Arsenal for sticking by Mikel Arteta - despite losing his place in the team under the Spanish manager.
Bellerin, 27, was Arsenal's first-choice right-back when Arteta was appointed in December 2019. The defender remained an important member of the squad in the early stages of his compatriot's tenure but was deemed surplus to requirements in the summer of 2021.
Bellerin spent last season on loan at Real Betis and was allowed to join Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer. Although the Spain international was axed by Arteta, he believes football clubs are more successful when they stick by a manager during the hard times.
"In football, in general, there is less and less patience," said Bellerin ahead of Barcelona's game against Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday. "There is clear evidence of how important the process is. In England, it has happened with [Pep] Guardiola, [Jurgen] Klopp and Arteta.
"Projects that have faces and eyes have to be prepared, and the process is long. Confidence and continuing to improve is important. Rome wasn’t built in a day."
Bellerin was referring to under pressure Barcelona manager Xavi, who is facing calls to be sacked after his team were knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage for the second successive year. They will play in the Europa League after the World Cup.
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Although Barcelona are struggling in Europe, they are just a point behind leaders Real Madrid in the LaLiga title race. Xavi appears to be building a good squad at the Camp Nou and will be hoping Barcelona believe in him as much as Arsenal believe in Arteta.
The Gunners boss made an immediate impression following his appointment, as he won the FA Cup and Community Shield within his first year. Yet calls for his departure grew after the team finished eighth in the Premier League during the 2020/21 campaign.
Three successive Premier League defeats at the start of last season left Arteta's job in the balance, but the club's hierarchy stuck by him and are now reaping the rewards. Arsenal are top of the Premier League - two points clear of champions Manchester City.
The history books all show how City stuck by Pep Guardiola. The legendary manager is known for winning four Premier League titles in six years, but his team finished third in the table during his first season in charge. They also failed to win silverware.
Liverpool also supported Jurgen Klopp through the hard times. The Reds finished eighth during the German's first season and it took him nearly three years to win a trophy. They've flourished since, however, lifting their first league title in 30 years in July 2020.
Bellerin himself will be hoping to make an impression at the Camp Nou before his contact expires in June. The defender has played just three LaLiga games this season and was left on the bench for Barcelona's recent wins against Athletic Bilbao and Valencia.
