Mikel Arteta has revealed he was “terrified” when he first took over as Arsenal manager five years ago. The Spaniard, now 42, marks the fifth anniversary of his appointment at Emirates Stadium, reflecting on his early challenges and the transformative journey he has overseen.
The Early Challenges of Managing Arsenal
Arteta was appointed Arsenal manager in December 2019, stepping into his first managerial role following the dismissal of Unai Emery. At the time, the Gunners were languishing in 10th place in the Premier League.
“I just wanted to make sure I didn’t disappoint anybody, that I was capable of doing it,” Arteta admitted. “I was probably terrified. You haven’t coached anybody at the highest level, it was the middle of the season, without any preparation, without a coaching staff, you get asked to take this amazing and big job.”
Despite the initial fear, Arteta’s early impact was significant. Arsenal won the FA Cup later that season, providing a foundation for the rebuilding process.
Reviving Arsenal’s Culture and Identity
Arteta’s first task was to address the “culture” within the club, a challenge he tackled head-on.
“What I did was basically ask, through somebody I employed, to give me their opinion of how they feel to work in this football club,” he explained. “It was clear that it had to be changed.”
Arteta emphasized that re-establishing Arsenal’s cultural “roots” was pivotal. “That was the roots of the football club. If those roots were damaged at that level, there was nothing to build without that.”
The changes he implemented during his first season laid the groundwork for Arsenal’s resurgence, enabling them to finish fifth in 2021-22 and become Premier League title contenders in subsequent campaigns.
Arsenal’s Current Form and Upcoming Fixtures
As Arteta celebrates this milestone, Arsenal remains a force to be reckoned with. The Gunners, who finished second in the Premier League for the past two seasons, aim to continue their momentum as they face Crystal Palace this Saturday.
Arteta’s story highlights the resilience and vision required to transform a football club. As he looks back on five years at Arsenal, his influence on the club’s identity and trajectory is undeniable.
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