In a surprising and innovative move, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hired professional pickpockets to teach his squad a valuable lesson about being alert and prepared at all times.
In a report from The Athletic, during a dinner with his players, Arteta secretly brought in a team of professional pickpockets. These sleight-of-hand artists went around the tables, stealthily stealing phones and wallets from the unsuspecting first-team squad.
At the end of the meal, Arteta asked his players to empty their pockets, revealing the missing items. This unexpected exercise was designed to emphasize the importance of constant vigilance and readiness.
This kind of creative thinking is typical of Arteta, who sees every situation as an opportunity for learning and growth. His influence is evident in every aspect of Arsenal, a team built to his specifications and shaped by his competitive spirit. Arteta's obsession with improvement has permeated the club, creating a culture of continuous development.
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Is Mikel Arteta reshaping Arsenal?
Arteta is now preparing for his fifth full season in charge of Arsenal, having taken over in 2019. The transformation under his leadership has been remarkable. Although Arsenal takes a collaborative approach to leadership, no single figure has been more impactful than Arteta.
When Arteta arrived, he was initially appointed as head coach. After the departure of the head of football Raul Sanllehi in August 2020, he was promoted to first-team manager, consolidating his power and placing him at the heart of the club’s football affairs.
Arteta has not been alone in this rebuild. Tim Lewis, who joined the board in 2020 and is now vice-chair, has been a strong supporter of Arteta and a bridge between the manager and the ownership. Arteta’s productive relationship with Edu has also been crucial. Edu’s promotion to sporting director has given him oversight of the women’s team and academy, further strengthening the club’s structure.
Richard Garlick has played an integral role, in handling negotiations and contract talks. This summer, Garlick was promoted to managing director, replacing chief executive officer Vinai Venkatesham. The position of director of football operations, previously held by Garlick, will be filled by a new appointment soon.
This core team, under the oversight of Josh Kroenke and KSE, has coalesced to overhaul the first-team squad and support Arteta’s vision for the club. With Arteta expected to extend his contract beyond the coming season, it’s clear that this is Arteta’s Arsenal, built in his image and driven by his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Arteta’s unconventional methods and strong leadership have transformed Arsenal, turning them into a team that reflects his competitive nature and dedication to constant improvement. The pickpocket lesson is just one example of how Arteta continues to inspire and prepare his players for every challenge ahead.
