‘We had to change the environment’ – Mikel Arteta opens up on challenge that faced him at Arsenal | OneFootball

The transformation that Mikel Arteta has achieved at Arsenal since he was appointed manager of the London club in 2019 has been remarkable. He took over a club that often looked fragile and flattered to deceive, and has turned them into the biggest threat to Manchester City’s hegemony.

A title challenge last season petered out near the end, but this season has proven that Arteta’s work was no flash in the pan. Arsenal will force the campaign to be decided on the final day as they look to force Man City to go the distance.

Speaking exclusively to France Football, Arteta explained that Arsenal have only been able to reach this stage because of the hard work done when he first arrived at the club. Work that was not always immediately obvious when the club was only finishing eighth and fifth in the league.

‘I had a very clear idea’ – Mikel Arteta

The manager stated, “I had a very clear idea: we had to change the environment; the culture of the club. It was my priority. In terms of, players, the staff, the supporters… It was an extraordinary personal exercise.”

He continued, that he was also pleasantly surprised by the work of those already present at the club, “There were people who I had low expectations and who I would never have imagined that they would do what they are doing now, within a positive structure. Ultimately, I believe everyone deserves an opportunity.”

GFFN | Nick Hartland