Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal Football Club, has embraced a period of personal and professional evolution during his six years at the helm. Arteta now makes his home with his family in London, and he is proving to be a far more approachable figure this season. He is undeniably more chill now, on the field and away from it. The abdication of my dream.” He refers to this transformation as an “evolution of a human being.” More than a statement of reactionary policy, it reflects his deeper understanding and cultivation of his team’s evolving needs.
Arteta’s journey has been significantly shaped by the influence of four notable mentors: Arsène Wenger, Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino, and David Moyes. He regularly thinks back on their instruction and wonders how their beliefs would shape his decision-making today. In particular, he often catches himself asking, “What would Arsène Wenger do?” This level of introspection and wisdom helps him put the accumulated experience into a buffet of options and play to his own managerial strengths.
A New Approach
As Arsenal navigates the current season, Arteta has recognized that both he and the club must adapt to meet new challenges. He says the sense of what kind of manager and leader the club needs has changed with the times. This perspective has driven him, as a young manager, to be more collaborative, looking to his players when they need a leader. Such tactical tweaks are what will be needed as the team looks to break its own trophy drought and start seeing some actual silverware.
The most evident cause for Arteta’s calm exterior perhaps lies elsewhere. Specifically, Arteta’s own life the last two or three seasons. Juggling his work life as a town manager with home life with young children has added to his recent sense of peace. This change has made a major improvement to his personal happiness and to his connection with players and staff across the board.
Mentorship and Influence
Today, the weight of that influence can be seen through Arteta’s mentors’ impact on his management style. Even though Wenger appointed Arteta as Arsenal captain more than a decade ago, he’s still an important figure in Arteta’s life. Three years on, Arteta is still turning to Wenger for advice as to how to fulfil his role and responsibilities on the field for Arsenal. This permanent bond is a powerful testament to the role that mentorship plays in building the leaders of today and tomorrow.
Arteta’s learnings through Guardiola have equally encompassed an idea that has made a deep impact to his coaching philosophy. The tactical wizardry and progressive approach Arteta picked up from the Manchester City manager have proved invaluable in accelerating the young Spaniard’s education. He continues to give credit to each mentor for the specific lessons learned that he’s bringing to bear with Arsenal.
The North London Derby
Arteta’s record at the Emirates Stadium during crucial matches, such as the north London derby, has remained consistent. This level of consistent selection demonstrates the stable foundation he seems intent on breeding into this side, even as they face the evolution of pressure-packed, high-stakes fixtures.
Mikel Arteta is taking Arsenal into this exciting current season on the crest of a wave. Like his players, he’s stubbornly fighting for tangible results with which to exorcise the club’s 30-year trophy drought. He believes that fostering a solid team dynamic and nurturing leadership among players will be vital in realizing this ambition.
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