Arsenal defender William Saliba has lifted the lid on the significant impact of new first-team coach Gabriel Heinze, attributing the team's formidable defensive record partly to the Argentine's incessant and passionate communication.
The Heinze Effect: A Vocal Presence on the Training Ground
Gabriel Heinze, 47, joined Mikel Arteta's backroom staff in July, filling the void left by Carlos Cuesta's departure for Parma. Known for his combative playing style during a three-year stint at Manchester United after signing from Paris Saint-Germain in 2004, Heinze has translated that same intensity into his coaching. Saliba, a cornerstone of Arsenal's backline this season, provided a revealing insight into the coach's methods.
"Gabriel Heinze helps a lot, especially the defenders," Saliba told the Men in Blazers network. "He gives us energy because he's always talking, always loud - even in training when we do simple things, he's always loud. Even for nothing, he will be loud!" The French international emphasised that this constant vocal presence is a positive force, stating, "He talks a lot and it's good to have him close to us. I think this guy can help us a lot."
A Winning Pedigree and a Long-Standing Relationship
Heinze's appointment followed a managerial career that included five roles, four in his native Argentina, with his most recent post at Newell's Old Boys ending in 2023. His playing career was decorated with league titles at Manchester United, Real Madrid – where he was sold in 2007 after a failed move to Liverpool – and Marseille.
Manager Mikel Arteta, who first met Heinze when he joined PSG on loan in the 2001-02 season, explained his decision to bring the former defender to North London. "He's a winner," Arteta said. "He's won in many clubs he's been at. He had a very different education as well, we've known each other for 23 years, I'm very close to that, that brings something extra."
Arteta highlighted the collaborative benefit, adding, "We complement each other really well, and everybody brings a different insight, a different character, a different personality, to the table that makes us a much better team. It makes me a much better coach as well."
Tangible Results at the Top of the Table
The impact of Heinze and the coaching team's work is starkly visible in the Premier League standings. Since his summer arrival, Arsenal have conceded just seven goals in 14 league games, a record that forms the foundation of their position at the summit of the table. Saliba's own performances have been pivotal in this defensive solidity, showcasing the effective partnership between player and coach.
This fusion of Heinze's fiery, experienced voice and Arteta's strategic vision appears to be a key ingredient in Arsenal's current recipe for success, proving that sometimes, the secret to a strong defence is simply never staying quiet.
