Mikel Arteta has revealed he feared his managerial career could have been over after just one day as Arsenal manager, following a bold step he took with his new squad.
The Gunners boss stepped into the role in December 2019, taking on a huge job as his first in management. The Spaniard had cut his coaching teeth under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and had a strong link with Arsenal having played for them from 2011-16, but it was still a big splash into the deep end.
Arteta's theatrical approach
Arteta wanted to make an instant impact with the Arsenal players, after a terrible start to the season had seen Unai Emery dismissed and the new boss step in after Freddie Ljungberg had a stint as caretaker manager.
He chose to do so in a theatrical way, which he feels could have gone horribly wrong if he had not got the reaction he was looking for. Arteta went to the biggest room at Arsenal’s training base and told The Athletic what happened next: ‘I just destroyed the office and put everything on the floor — the computers, the laptops, the cables. Then bring everybody in.
‘I said, “Listen, this is what I heard. I don’t know if it’s true. But from a lot of different people, the sentiment is that this is how they feel about working in the organisation. I’m here to help you enjoy your profession and your life and the passion that we all share. If you want me to help you to do that, you have two minutes to put this in order and at least to be ready to work together”. And I left.
‘That could have been my managerial career because if that would have stayed the same way, I had no job anymore!
‘I came back two minutes later and it was immaculate. Everyone was silent and had their eyes open and they were ready to listen. I said, “This is just the start. It’s something that we have to be in daily. Whatever we want to accomplish, we’re going to have to do it together. I cannot do it by myself. The issue that we have is much deeper than that, but the opportunity is infinite”.’
From risk to success
His rallying cry did not immediately produce results, but it certainly has over time, with Arsenal now the reigning Premier League champions and narrowly missing out on a first Champions League success in last season’s final.
Arteta’s squad in 2026 is almost entirely different from the one he took over at the end of 2019, although the young Bukayo Saka he inherited has blossomed into a key man for club and country.
Arteta commits future to Arsenal
After landing a first Premier League title as Arsenal boss, Arteta seemingly intends to create a dynasty after signing a new contract that runs until 2030.
‘It’s a privilege to commit my future to the club and to continue to work with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal,’ Arteta said. ‘This club is unique, its character and the way it makes you feel, and I have a great sense of privilege that our journey together will continue.
‘We have already built a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime, and what is so exciting is that this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together.’
Arsenal co-chairs Stan and Josh Kroenke said in a joint-statement: ‘It has been an incredible journey so far and we are excited for what lies ahead in this special relationship,’ they said.
‘Last season was an incredible moment in Arsenal’s history, a moment in which we created memories that will last a lifetime. We’re determined to create many more in the years ahead.
‘We share a special bond with Mikel. We are so proud of everything we have achieved since he returned to the club in 2019.
‘He has a deep understanding of Arsenal’s values and carries them in his heart. He knows what this club means to everyone connected to it and is committed to building on everything we have achieved together.’
