Mikel Arteta is determined to keep evolving as a manager to motivate his Arsenal players. He believes his players need a different manager now than they did three years ago. Arteta has been in charge of Arsenal since December 2019, winning 123 of 210 Premier League matches. He said that he wants to adapt his managerial style to get the most out of his players.
Mikel Arteta is steadfast in his pursuit of managerial evolution, firmly believing that his Arsenal squad requires a "different manager" now compared to what they needed three years prior. This ongoing adaptation, he suggests, is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and maximizing the team's potential.
The Gunners, under Arteta's guidance, have secured the second position in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons. However, their ambitions stretch beyond domestic success, and their recent Champions League journey, which concluded with a semi-final loss to Paris Saint-Germain, underscores their desire for European glory.
Arteta, who assumed his role at Arsenal in December 2019, has overseen 210 Premier League matches. During this period, the team has achieved 123 victories, scored an impressive 396 goals, and maintained an average of 1.95 points per game. These statistics highlight the progress made under his leadership, but Arteta insists that continuous improvement and adaptation are essential for sustained success.
"There is much more to come," Arteta affirmed in an interview with The Athletic. "Because the manager that the boys needed three years ago is a different manager than they need today." He emphasizes that the team's growth necessitates a corresponding evolution in his managerial approach.
He explains that Arsenal players need a manager who can now "adapt and identify what is really important, what is really going to get that fire in the belly to get the best out of them."
Arteta dismisses the notion that managerial evolution solely entails tactical tweaks. He believes it is about meeting the individual needs of each player. He said, "That’s the evolution of the manager. It’s not just the idea of changing. If we go to YouTube and the next evolution is, ‘Oh look, he has put this player in this space!’ that’s not evolution of the manager."
Arteta envisions himself as the manager each player needs, acknowledging that these needs will vary. “Each of them are going to require at some point a certain something that they don’t expect from the manager. And that’s the beauty of it. When it’s something new — ‘Oof, that is going to make me better and I didn’t see that coming’.”
Arteta's commitment to adaptability is rooted in his deep understanding of his players and his unwavering desire to unlock their full potential. By tailoring his approach to meet their evolving needs, he aims to create an environment where they can thrive and consistently perform at their best.
Arsenal's 2025-26 campaign begins with a high-profile match against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. This encounter will serve as an early test of Arteta's evolving managerial strategies and the team's readiness to compete for top honors. The Gunners will look to improve on their performance from last season and aim to start the season strong.
Arteta's focus is on keeping the players challenged, saying, "[I want to be] Exactly what they need, and each of them are going to require a different manager."
As Arteta continues to refine his approach, Arsenal fans can anticipate a team that is not only tactically astute but also mentally resilient and driven by a shared desire for success. The journey towards Premier League and Champions League glory may be challenging, but with Arteta at the helm, the Gunners are well-equipped to navigate the obstacles and achieve their lofty ambitions.