Mikel Arteta’s long-standing assistant Steve Round has left Arsenal by mutual consent, reports Charles Watts.
Staff at the club were made aware of the news this afternoon via an email from Sporting Director Edu, who wrote: “As preparations for the new men’s season get underway we can confirm Steve Round has left the club by mutual agreement’.
“During his time with us, Steve played an integral role working with our men’s first team players and helping the significant progress which we have made in recent season.
“We thank Steve for his contribution to Arsenal and which him and his family all the best of health and happiness.”
The 52-year-old was the Spaniard’s first appointment when he took over as head coach at Emirates Stadium in November 2019 and brought a wealth of experience having held roles with the likes of England, Newcastle United, Everton, Manchester United and Aston Villa.
While Round has been a visible presence on the bench on matchdays, he’s mostly kept a low profile in the last three and a half years and rarely spoke to the media.
When he did, he was effusive in his praise of Arteta, whom he first met when he was part of David Moyes’ staff at Everton.
In April last year, he told Arsenal.com: “In Mikel Arteta we’ve got an exceptional manager – there’s no doubt about that. And an incredible person too, the sky’s the limit for him.
“The job he’s done over the past couple of years is amazing – the changes he’s made and how he’s started to develop this exciting, fresh new team. He’s building a real togetherness and spirit, not only with the players, but within the whole club.
“It’s difficult to compare any manager I have worked with, because they are all different people with different styles and philosophies, but at Arsenal right now, with this group of people, we’re definitely moving in the right direction.”
Round sat at the same level in the hierarchy as Dutchman Albert Stuivenberg who also joined at the outset of Arteta’s tenure.
The team has expanded, via a few ins and outs, to include keeper coach Inaki Cana, set piece maestro Nicolas Jover and young assistants, Miguel Molina and Carlos Cuesta. They are joined by a host of sports scientists, a strength and conditioning team and medical support led by Dr Gary O’Driscoll.
It’ll be interesting to see if Arteta brings in a direct replacement for Round, whose departure appears to have been quite sudden, or if he promotes from within and hires another position.
Best of luck to Steve who has played an integral role in getting the club back on track.
Wonder if the Santi rumours have (little) legs..
That was my first thought
That would be wonderful.
Ooooohhhhhhhh Santi Cazooooorla!
Can Arteta give the position to Henry so that Henry stops trying to be fun on TV? Not for him being funny but he doesn’t seem to realize this.
Seriously, Henry is proficient in tactics and still willing to demonstrate football techniques to players in training. Although players felt humiliated by that at Monaco, it isn’t a bad thing. Also, Lukaku, De Bruyne and others wanted him as the boss of Belgium but he said he wasn’t a candidate.
Henry is fun on TV
Would love to have him back with the club. He, along with Rosicky, are two players I so miss watching play.
Arteta is going to have find a new “first person to hug when we score a goal” now.
Santi is the ultimate emanation of God. He is the true form. The first and the last. Hallowed be thy name. OOOOOH SANTI CAZORLA
Wow, this summer break is as busy as an active season.
Amazon clearly picked the wrong season.
What if they’re filming again? 😉
I mean, if there has ever been a season where it seems like it is All or Nothing for the Arsenal, it’s this.
We are going for everything this year.
“Steve round rolls out of arsenal” was right there for the headline…
Get Santi in asap.
Will be interesting to see if anyone comes in now.
Possible chance for Cazorla?
Santi! Maybe Bergkamp? Dare I say it, Cescy?
Cesc has just taken a role with Como’s B side.
“So you’re saying there’s a chance..”
I would go for Freddie but Arteta had him watching the game from the stand and he left so my dream won’t come true.
Clearing the deck for our Spanish magician? I’d welcome it.
I have this feeling that Santi Carzola is coming back!
City also have a huge number of staff changes. It’s a pity we didn’t have staff consistency as one advantage over them.
With 2 assistants leaving West Ham, the obvious assumption will be that he’s leaving to go back with Moyes. Perhaps, he’s more comfortable working with him but who knows.
Anyway, thanks for your hard work and good luck
Maybe an opportunity to be a boss somewhere? Something about the article gives the impression something has gone down behind closed doors. Some kind of falling out? Maybe I’m reading too much into it…
Poor reporting lads. You forgot under experience that he spent 12 years as my head coach for Plymouth Argyle in FM21.
Another gunner who loves the Argyle?! Lovely
Sad news has any info as to why. New club?
Finding this a odd, seeing that all the hard work is now coming into fruition?
Did he jump or was he pushed?
Could Steve Round have leaked the Havertz video and got himself sacked?
No