Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking beyond football to build a stronger culture and mentality within his team, inspired by New Zealand’s famed All Blacks rugby squad. The All Blacks, known for their dedication and high-performance culture, recently trained at Arsenal’s grounds, providing Arteta with a timely reminder of the values that drive long-lasting success.
Arteta shared his admiration for the All Blacks, crediting their approach to teamwork and a winning mentality as key influences on his own coaching style. He even recommended a book titled Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us about the Business of Life, highlighting how the All Blacks’ strong sense of identity and dedication has informed his methods at Arsenal. According to Arteta, “It’s about the culture and the importance of clarity, or what it means when you put on a jersey.” For him, these values instill a deeper sense of belonging, which in turn elevates a player’s commitment and performance.
As Arsenal prepares for a highly anticipated Premier League clash against Newcastle, Arteta’s focus is also on maintaining composure on the sidelines—a challenge he’s actively working to address. Reflecting on Arsenal’s controversial 1-0 defeat to Newcastle last season, Arteta revealed his efforts to keep his emotions in check, understanding the impact that disciplinary actions could have on his presence with the team. “I don’t want to miss any games, that is for sure,” Arteta explained, acknowledging the importance of staying engaged and present without risking suspension.
This season, Arteta has successfully avoided any disciplinary issues, one of only five Premier League managers to do so. Although he admits that his emotions sometimes take over in tense moments, he strives to adapt and control his reactions in line with updated touchline regulations. He even humorously suggested that meditation might be necessary in the future to keep his focus sharp.
Looking to Saturday’s fixture against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, Arteta is hopeful that Gabriel Magalhães will be fit to play, though Ben White’s availability remains uncertain due to a joint issue. Arteta’s calm, yet competitive mindset, inspired by the All Blacks, underlines his commitment to fostering a disciplined, high-performing Arsenal squad as they contend for success in both domestic and international competitions.
With an emphasis on clarity, belonging, and self-discipline, Mikel Arteta is positioning Arsenal for long-term growth, much like the All Blacks who’ve inspired him. As the Gunners look to continue their strong start to the season, Arteta’s All Blacks-inspired culture is set to play a pivotal role in their journey.
