Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has taken a page out of the All Blacks’ book as he prepares his squad for their upcoming showdown against Newcastle United this Saturday. Following a controversial loss to the Magpies last season, Arteta has been keen to manage his emotions from the touchline to avoid any suspensions that could impact his team’s performance.
Last season, Arsenal suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park, largely due to a contentious VAR decision that allowed Anthony Gordon’s winner to stand. Despite facing numerous challenges, Arteta has impressively managed to remain one of only five Premier League managers yet to receive a yellow card this season.
As he gears up for the crucial match, Arteta is cautiously optimistic about the fitness of defender Gabriel Magalhães while expressing concerns over Ben White’s availability due to a persistent joint issue. He emphasized the importance of maintaining composure: “I don’t want to miss any games, that is for sure. I can’t promise that I won’t be jumping up and down the touchline when we score, but I will do my best to keep my cool. Hopefully, the match officials understand that passion is an integral part of the game. So far, it’s been working for me.”
When asked if he had resorted to meditation to cope with contentious refereeing decisions, Arteta responded humorously: “I haven’t reached that level of zen just yet, but who knows, maybe it’s on the horizon! My main goal is to provide the team with the best chance to compete and win. As rules evolve, we too must adapt and embrace those changes. That’s my focus.”
In an interesting twist, the New Zealand rugby team visited Arsenal’s training facilities this week as they readied themselves for their own clash with England. Arteta was unable to meet their head coach, Scott Robertson—whom he considers “an inspiration”—due to his own commitments in the EFL Cup against Preston. However, he took the opportunity to recommend a book that has influenced his managerial philosophy: “Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us about the Business of Life.”
Delving into the principles that have shaped his approach, Arteta highlighted the significance of culture: “It’s about building a sense of belonging, clarity in roles, and what it means to wear the jersey. When players embrace that feeling, their commitment and performance levels soar, positively impacting the entire organization.”
As Arsenal prepares to face their northern rivals once again, all eyes will be on Arteta to see if his newfound mentality can propel the Gunners to a much-needed victory.