Mikel Arteta says his sole aim when he took over at Arsenal was to make the club believe it could get back to winning titles.
226 days after he took over, the Gunners did exactly that. Defying the odds to reach the FA Cup final, Arteta’s players went behind early at Wembley but kept their composure to complete a 2-1 win over Chelsea thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace.
After winning his first silverware as a head coach, the 38-year-old reflected on the journey he’s been on since taking over in the dugout in December and thanked the fans for their support.
“It’s a great start!” he told Arsenal.com. “Thank you so much for being so supportive all the time and for the reception I got on the first day when I walked through this incredible door.
“I completely understood that the needs of this football club are so high and I want to meet those demands. I know that there are expectations and this trophy is for them, for them to enjoy and for them to be proud of their club and their support and the players that they always cheer for.
“Hopefully they can enjoy it together and maintain the distance, please. I want them to enjoy it because it’s all yours!
“I had only one mission when I came here and it was to make the players and the staff believe that we could do it,’ he added. “We had to change that energy and that mentality.
“Just by seeing them in the dressing room all together, the way they enjoy the professionalism and their time together. It makes me more proud and it’s a consequence of that, that afterwards we can achieve things and win titles together.”
No Mikel, Thank You Sir
Make The Arsenal great again!
I was a believer before he even coached his first match. I cant wait to see what more he can do
me too
Maga!
Totally schooled Lampard
The longer the media narrative persists that Ole and Lampard are the right managers to take their teams forward the better for us frankly. A decent transfer window and ousting one of Chelsea or United next season for 4th really isn’t out of the question
If that’s his aim he’s already achieved that and then some!
‘He is beginning to believe’
‘He is the one’
‘My aim is true…’
I love the way he talks about changing mentality and shifting to a winning feeling. He’s clearly a very persuasive presence in the dressing room. I also love the way he challenges his players. AMN and Ceballos were both challenged when he first came into the job and they responded really well. I also like the way he dealt with players who have not responded.
Yeah, exactly, it really is that black and white with him – work hard, show commitment, be professional, and you’ll get your chance. Act like a prima donna, and you’re out.
Any chance we could have the same standards for our fans some of the reaction to media coverage is embarrassing
Maybe it’s because I live outside of the UK so I’m not really aware of the fan reaction to the media. I do think we should just enjoy our victory and not worry about what people say (rival former players, people in the fanbase, etc.). This is something I appreciate about Arseblog. They are run by fans but they provide a really measured form of analysis whilst maintaining a degree of humor that resonates really well. I do wish this was the model. But that’s what makes this site different from what I see in other online spaces.
This guy is going straight to the top, with us or without us. The board need to back him or it will be the latter.
The worrying thing is that Guardiola is out of contract in one year…
If he doesn’t win CL with City maybe they will headhunt the apprentice.
The Arsenal board really must provide the right circumstances now before it’s too late.
This is not a worry.
The board will see how Arteta starts next season first.
There is still no indication he can turn things around despite FA cup win.
Too many people don’t think with their head rather prefer emotion.
Evidently there are two camps in the dressing room. Not everyone has been sold. Certainly Ozil and Guendouzi remain problematic. Ozil is onto last season on contract so it seems Arteta has correctly moved on and planned ahead without him. Guendouzi I’m a bit perplex why we have not been able to manage him better. He’s probably petulant and a bit impatient but still a very young and talented player. My take is we will have room for him in due course in midfield so maybe the better option would be to NOT sell him but put him out on… Read more »
Here come the Arteta! Him the Arsenal Manager!