During his playing days, rookie Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta was a technically secure, metronomic passing midfielder. He was also a leader.
It is said that the best passers pass the ball with a message on it, showing the recipient where to go next and dictating the game.
It’s a trait that Mikel Arteta has transferred to his managerial career so far, as he is saying all the right things.
Mikel Arteta needed his first win to get buy in from the players and the fans, and he got it. Arsenal’s 2 – 0 home win over Manchester United restored some confidence in the team, who hadn’t won in 15 games previously.
With that, and a few more good results, Arteta could begin to repair the fractured relationship between the club and the fans.
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He has already begun that work, reminding the Arsenal players that they are lucky to represent the club.
“I don’t know [if I’ve brought the fun back], I try to bring good energy, good spirit and trying to be positive with them that there’s still a long way to play in this league,” he said.
“I’m trying to give them clarity and direction and to play football and enjoy this profession. That’s the reason why they are here.
“They are such privileged boys to be playing for this football club and they have to realise it every day.
“We have to help them to realise that they are here to have fun as well, not just to have pressure and to live with fear about playing in that stadium. When you get the crowd going, they are so privileged to be on that pitch.”
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Arsenal play Leeds tonight in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Normally, Arsenal would field a weakened team. But with Arteta trying to build some momentum, and knowing how important the F.A Cup is to Arsenal, we could see a competitive first 11.
