How Mikel Arteta is using morale boosting training drills to give Arsenal stars the edge over rivals
MIKEL ARTETA has completely transformed Arsenal in the past few seasons – taking them to the brink of title glory.
The Spaniard’s success in the transfer market and his tactical genius has been credited for their incredible turnaround.
However, there are a lot more subtle reasons for their recent success.
Recently released training ground footage has laid bare how the former Gunners player is using morale boosting training drills as he looks to get one over his rivals.
Below, we detail the subtle things the 42-year-old is doing that he hopes will fire them to glory this season.
SQUAD MORALE DRILLS
Many drills in Arsenal training are designed for the sole purpose of improving squad morale rather than honing technical ability.
The effects of this on the pitch are being seen, with the Gunners building a reputation as “mentality monsters” who cope well in high-pressure situations.
Take their 2-2 draw with Man City earlier this season, where despite going down to 10-men before half-time, they defended like their life depended on it. It was their fourth match vs their biggest rivals without tasting defeat.
While Arteta is putting a huge focus on mentality, he’s built a team of imposing physicality too.
Declan Rice, Ben White, Gabriel, William Saliba, Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino all measure in above six-feet-tall.
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This combination of dominant mentality and physicality might just be what gets Arsenal over the line in the title race.
COACH INVOLVEMENT
Arteta and his fellow coaches can be seen throwing themselves into the drills such as the rondo.
This can be used to boost the relationships between players and coaches, and shows that the coaches have a commitment and passion for their job and the club.
It helps feed into the ‘family’ like atmosphere that Arteta is desperate to build.
Arsenal’s head of sports medicine and performance Dr Zafar Iqbal said on Twitter: “I think Mikel is just a very special guy. He makes everybody secure… He’s very demanding, but he creates such a healthy environment. From top down, everybody is fighting for him.”
RELAXED ATMOSPHERE
All the players and coaches appear very relaxed.
This helps the less experienced academy players to avoid anxiety and fear when interacting with the first team stars – which in turn can lead to better results on the pitch.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, made a late appearance in the recent Champions League match vs PSG and thrived, while Ethan Nwaneri, just 17, has been coming off the bench in the Premier League this season and immediately looked comfortable alongside more established players.
When given a start in the Carabao Cup against Bolton, Nwaneri scored twice.
Speaking after that game, Arteta said of the teenager: “Ethan was really good. A really strong performance. He feels part of us and is playing with that confidence and belief.”
RELATIONSHIPS
Arsenal players always warm up with someone different which shows a strong team bond and encourages relationships across the entire playing staff.
This helps to avoid potentially toxic cliques and boosts chemistry on and off the pitch.
Arteta is clearly focused on improving relationships within the team.
One of his ideologies is that “winning brings togetherness and, when you have beautiful experiences together and you win trophies, then those experiences stay within that group.”
TRUST AND INCLUSION
Arteta is open to allowing many academy youngsters to take part in training, even before big matches like against PSG.
It is a show of Arteta’s trust in the ability of his players and helps increase a player’s confidence knowing they have the boss’s backing.
In the video above, the more experienced Arsenal players are including academy prospects, such as Declan Rice who can be seen taking part in a drill with 19-year-old Maldini Kacurri.
This training method then leads to results on the pitch.
In the 5-1 win over Bolton this season, starting in goal was 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter – the club’s youngest ever player to start a match.
Speaking on Porter’s inclusion, Arteta said: “It was a big step for Jack. He was over the moon. His family were nervous. But he coped really well. What a way to break a record.
“He’s been training with us. We thought he was ready. We believe he was the right choice. It’s a very positive night. We gave the opportunity to a lot of academy players and they responded really well. To see their faces, their reaction, a great night.”
If Arteta’s unique training methods continue to have results on the pitch then many more great nights could be in store this season.