Arteta has been unable to save Arsenal from finishing the season with their lowest league position in 25 years. In fact, his record since taking over the reins has not been too dissimilar to that of Unai Emery’s this season. Arteta’s tally of 8 wins, 5 draws and 6 losses mean that even with a game remaining Arsenal languish in 10th place with no hope of qualifying for Europe via the league. Whereas rivals Chelsea and Man Utd have both struggled this season still have Champions League qualification within sight.
Yet despite his unspectacular start to manage the general feeling among fans and pundits alike is that Arteta is the right man to take the club forward. The reason for this confidence is the way in which he communicates to the press, the fans, and most importantly the players. He exudes confidence when he speaks and it has been his primary strength this season.
Speaking directly and clearly in all of his interviews Arteta comes across self-assured and convincing, answering questions openly and honestly without missing a beat. Just listening to the man speak leaves a strong impression on his audience. In his post-match interview following the Liverpool win he ramped up pressure on the board to back him with the necessary funds for this summers transfer window. Following on from the furor that his comments generated - cue flying banner - he quickly dismissed concerns in his post-match interview at Villa Park assuring fans that he has the full backing of the board. Speaking on these issues brings some transparency and accountability to the process and can somewhat help bridge the gap between the owners and a fractured fanbase.
This is a marked difference from Unai Emery whose every speaking interaction eventually became a source of ridicule as results started to decline. Accents aside, Emery’s buzzwords and emphasis on being the ‘protagonist’ together trusting the ‘process’ became meaningless and hollow when the performances were so obviously poor. Meanwhile, Arteta has stressed that the players must ‘suffer’ together and we all witnessed the team do exactly that in recent wins against Liverpool and Manchester City. There have also been positive signs in encouraging performances scattered throughout many of the games he has taken charge showcasing Arteta’s style of play. His ‘ non-negotiable’s’ are also on display as he has now dropped Guendouzi and Ozil from the matchday squad.
During the post lockdown games, you can audibly hear Arteta coaching players through games, non more so than the win over Wolves, standing on the touchline throughout the game screaming Dani! Dani! Dani!. It’s no surprise that Dani Ceballos has experienced such a strong resurgence in his level of performance post lockdown. Speaking fluently in several different languages and having played at the highest level in the Spanish, French, Scottish, and English leagues Arteta is able to engage with star players who come from all over the football world. His greatest strength is his communication, his message was so convincing that he managed to change the minds of wantaway midfielder Granit Xhaka and also club doctor Gary o’Driscoll who was set to join Liverpool.
If Arteta’s recent comments regarding the contract negotiations with Aubamayeng are anything to go by, his greatest success this season may yet be off the field.
Mohammed Chowdhury
Nicely put, communication is key and knowing several languages helps build a better rapport with players. Something he must of seen whilst playing under Arsenal Wenger. This season was beyond the point of repair for anyone taking over the reigns. Here’s to a more unified club and future glory under Arteta. Come on you gunners!
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