After a week of defense, seeing Mikel Arteta fall into rhetoric along the oval office briefing, who likes to make it all out on Sunday after a week of advocacy, and who likes to make it all out about himself, reminds him of a mix of him and the worst team leader, not Donald Trump.
He is the guy who used AA light bulbs as props to promote “electricity” between players and fans, and pointed out in his pre-game speech that “it’s going to be dark without this guy.”
There was a lemon who said, “Juice is our team’s magic.” Arteta took one from a player whose manager said he squeezed out all the juices just to explain that “you can squeeze more at any time.”
Read more: Two important reasons why Arsenal deserves Premier League favourites
He hired pickpockets and stole them from his players – to teach them lessons about the “importance of being ready and being vigilant,” including those who fought baseball batters in real life.
And now he wants to use RAF fighter pilots to improve the way he communicates with his players.
To our cynicians, leads are better, living better summit sounds like the worst thing in the world. Perhaps the worst people in the world attended, taking notes on a stylus on an overwhelming iPad with one airpod while listening to a high-performance podcast.
Speaking at the event alongside his friend and legendary basketball coach Steve Kerr, Arteta was asked by moderator Luke Darcy, a former Australian rule football player.
“In many places. It’s a constant improvement. I’ll wake up one day and say, “My process on match day is not enough. Why we’re communicating with our coaches, analysts, others, and players how the message actually gets delivered.”
“So, for example, British fighter planes, I’ll get in touch with those people because it’s life or death. I’m sure if there’s a word, I won’t use 20 phrases or 20 words.
Details of the Arsenal for F365
Is Arsenal’s addiction to set pieces sustainable? Liverpool’s city open play flourishes…
Should new Castle get a penalty against Arsenal against Gabriel Handball?
👉Arsenal players “want dry laps” but three things have been improved for gunners
We love the idea that Arteta will limit himself to one word of instruction on a match day. For example, simply say “handbrake” without telling the player whether it’s on or off.
And while I imagine most of the Arsenal squads are now indoctrinated, what are the new apprentices thinking when walking into the dressing room in full flight suits with helmets and oxygen masks?
He may be a very good football manager, but he may be the last Premier League boss we want to go to pints.
