MIKEL ARTETA has introduced a series of unique methods to inspire his Arsenal players to glory this season.
Last month, it was revealed that Arteta hired a group of professional pickpockets to highlight the importance of being alert and ready at all times.
The Spaniard taught the lesson at a team dinner before Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Liverpool in February.
It appeared to work as the Gunners went on to win 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta has invented and implemented several other unusual methods throughout his time in north London to get the very best out of his team.
And the latest is a new word.
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The ex-midfielder now regularly uses the term ‘collaboretition’ – a combination of collaboration and competition.
Some fans have been left baffled by the development, with one person taking to social media to write: “Cringiest institution.”
While another joked: “He’s the David Brent of the Premier League…”
Arsenal’s former head of methodology, Kevin Balvers, also revealed that Arteta and Co once sought advice from educational experts to understand the science behind how people best learn.
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He told The Athletic: “We had people from different clubs and different sports coming over to speak to the coaches, which is how we picked up things
“For presentations, we had an American come and share techniques which teachers use at university to bring across the message, how to get information into them and how to get information out of them.
“In tactical meetings, I learned from studies that if you put a dark blue background the players will learn the information more than white, black or red as the contrast is better.
“When speaking about defending, we made sure the text and areas highlighted were red and when attacking it was blue. This helps their brains know instantly what phase of play we’re talking about.”
Arteta also put detailed thought into presentations that would persuade new players to join.
Balvers, who now works for PSV Eindhoven, added: “We spoke about how we saw them fitting in on the pitch, outside the pitch and had some pictures of them photoshopped in the kit already.
“For (Jurrien) Timber, we had some pictures of his family with the message that we are a big family and take care of everything. As I’m Dutch too, I put in some music from artists he was listening to, rather than English music.
“Win the dog was in the one for Kai (Havertz), as we knew he loved dogs and we explained we wanted a family feeling.”
Arteta’s bizarre methods have worked to some extent as the Gunners have significantly improved performance-wise over the last two years.
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Arsenal are expected to battle Manchester City for the Premier League title once again at the end of the campaign.
The two sides meet this weekend at the Etihad Stadium.
How Cesc Fabregas would deal with Odegaard absence
ARSENAL legend Cesc Fabregas has had his say on how Mikel Arteta should line up following Martin Odegaard’s injury.
He told the Planet Premier League podcast: “I have no doubts that if Mikel puts him [Ethan Nwaneri] in the starting XI or even during the game it’s because he has seen that he’s good enough to make an impact.
“Obviously the consequences of Rice and Odegaard being out helps and makes it a little bit faster than he would have liked but definitely it means that he is on his mind.
“If he’s part of the squad it’s because he really believes that he can bring something to the table.
“I also would like to see Trossard in midfield. I know he likes to come from the wing but he has the capabilities and qualities to play that role of Odegaard. A little more offensive midfielder, No8, No10.
“I think he’s got the qualities to do that. Probably [Thomas] Partey and Jorginho will be the other two midfielders if I am not mistaken.
“But overall, it’s great to see young players making it into the Premier League.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
