In a reflective interview celebrating six years as manager of Arsenal, Mikel Arteta opened up about his journey, the club’s evolution, and the lessons he has learned throughout his time in charge. Reflecting on his first phone call with Edu and his initial appointment, Arteta shared the humbling experience of stepping into the role at Arsenal, a club with a rich history and high expectations.

Arteta recalled the first moment he knew this opportunity was real: “I was speaking to Edu, Vina, Raul, and Josh, and I could feel this was happening. There was no turning back, and I felt confident it was the right thing to do.” Despite this, Arteta admitted it was a huge risk, considering he had never been a manager before and had only served as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Building the Arsenal Culture

When asked about his first press conference as manager, Arteta chuckled, recalling how nervous he was at the time. He described his approach as one of enthusiasm and energy, excited to take on the challenge of rebuilding Arsenal. “It was more about creating something, a sense of belonging, something more than just tactics,” he said. Arteta’s focus was always on creating a strong culture within the club. His first move as manager was to emphasize that the club needed to come together to get back to its former glory.

He explained that the atmosphere in the dressing room was the foundation of success. “The players needed to feel pride, to understand the importance of the club they represent,” he stated, stressing that the team needed a collective commitment to work together and leave behind the divisions that had held them back in previous seasons.

The FA Cup Victory: A Moment of Reflection

The FA Cup victory in 2020 was a defining moment in Arteta’s career, marking his first major title as a manager. He recalled the unique challenges he faced during the pandemic, especially having to lead the team through COVID-19 restrictions, which meant no fans in the stadium and constant uncertainty. Despite the difficulties, Arteta said winning the FA Cup was crucial in building confidence and setting the foundation for future success.

Reflecting on the celebration, Arteta recalled how humble the moment was, especially considering the emotional and physical toll the season had taken. “It was a great experience,” he said, “but it was a strange one, because we didn’t have our fans there, and the world was in chaos. But it was the first step in bringing Arsenal back.”

Rebuilding and Reconnecting with the Fans

One of Arteta’s biggest challenges was reuniting the fans with the club after a period of struggle. Arsenal had gone through a difficult phase, with mixed performances and a sense of disillusionment among the supporters. Arteta’s strategy was to create consistency and build a culture that the fans could be proud of.

“When I arrived, we were in a difficult moment,” Arteta shared. “The team needed to feel the connection with the fans. But before that, we had to rebuild the club’s internal structure. We needed everyone to be on the same page, from the staff to the players. If we could build a strong internal culture, the fans would follow.”

As he started to work on rebuilding that culture, Arteta was keen to ensure that every player understood the values of the club. His approach focused on discipline, passion, and professionalism. Arteta’s goal was clear: create a team where everyone felt proud to represent Arsenal and where winning became a habit.

Managing Big Personalities

Arteta’s leadership was put to the test when dealing with high-profile players, especially in his first few seasons. One of the key challenges was maintaining a balance between individual talent and team cohesion. Arteta discussed his methods of managing players with big personalities and how crucial it was to get the best out of every member of the team.

“I have always been clear about my values and the standards I expect,” Arteta explained. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t let anyone think they are above the team. It’s about unity, everyone working together. If you get that right, you can achieve great things.”

Arsenal’s Style of Play: Evolution Under Arteta

Over the years, Arteta has introduced a style of play that combines technical ability, possession-based football, and a focus on intensity. He acknowledged that while his tactics and team structure have evolved, his focus has always been on creating a team that is both disciplined and dynamic.

“We’ve had to adapt and evolve,” Arteta said when reflecting on the current squad’s style of play. “But the foundation is always about high pressing, quick transitions, and keeping possession when we need to. The players have bought into that, and the development we’ve seen has been impressive.”

Personal Growth as a Manager

Arteta admitted that his growth as a manager has been a learning experience in itself. He’s faced moments of doubt, criticism, and setbacks, but has always remained focused on the long-term vision for the club. “There were many moments of difficulty in the first couple of seasons, but we’ve learned from those experiences,” he reflected. “It’s been a process of continual growth for me as a manager, and I still have a long way to go. But I’ve learned that you have to trust the process, trust the players, and stay consistent.”

One of Arteta’s most admired qualities is his ability to stay calm and rational during tough moments, something he learned from his time playing for Arsène Wenger at Arsenal. “Wenger taught me that managing a team is not just about tactics. It’s about understanding people, motivating them, and keeping them focused on the bigger picture. That’s the hardest part,” Arteta shared.

The Next Steps: Building on the Legacy

Now, after six years at the helm, Arteta is looking to build on the legacy he has started at Arsenal. Winning the FA Cup was an important achievement, but the ultimate goal remains to make Arsenal a consistent contender for the Premier League title and Champions League. Arteta is determined to create a squad that is capable of challenging for top honors and establishing Arsenal as a force to be reckoned with in both domestic and international football.

Looking to the future, Arteta spoke about how young talent is playing a crucial role in shaping the club’s future. He highlighted the importance of developing young players like Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Gabriel Martinelli, who have all become integral parts of the team. “We have a really exciting crop of young talent at the club,” Arteta said. “It’s important to nurture them and give them the opportunity to grow with the team.”

Looking Back: Six Years of Dedication

As Arteta reflects on his six years as Arsenal manager, he is proud of the progress that has been made, but he also knows there is still much work to do. “It’s been a journey full of ups and downs,” he admitted. “But that’s what football is all about. The key is to learn from every experience, to keep evolving and keep improving, both as a team and as individuals.”

Arteta’s commitment to Arsenal’s future is clear. Whether it’s through tactical evolution, mental resilience, or the creation of a winning culture, Arteta’s leadership has already begun to leave a lasting legacy at the club. And as he continues to guide Arsenal through the challenges of the Premier League and European football, fans are hopeful that Arteta’s vision will lead the club back to the very top.

Conclusion: A Manager Who’s Still Evolving

Mikel Arteta’s journey at Arsenal is far from over. His ability to stay true to his principles while adapting to the evolving landscape of modern football is a testament to his growth as a manager. With a solid foundation in place, Arsenal’s future looks brighter than ever under his leadership. Fans are excited to see what the next chapter holds, as Arteta continues to build a team capable of competing for the biggest honors.