Arteta and Arsenal: A Mirror of Southgate’s England
Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal strategist, has followed a path similar to that of Gareth Southgate, the English national team coach, in his development as a coach. Initially, comparisons with Pep Guardiola were inevitable, a product of their friendship and mentorship at Barcelona and Manchester City. More recently, Arsenal’s evolution towards a defensively solid team has evoked parallels with José Mourinho. However, Arteta’s trajectory this season places him in a position analogous to that of Southgate in the Euro 2024.
Both coaches took over teams in complex situations, rebuilding their culture and credibility on the most important stage. Both were on the verge of achieving glory and conquering the titles that their followers yearn for. The crucial question is: Will Arsenal, transformed into a formidable force, seize the moment and lift a trophy?Title of the publication: Can Arsenal cope without Martin Ødegaard?
Arteta, like Southgate, has inherited a considerable challenge. Southgate received an English national team in crisis, after the defeat against Iceland in the 2016 European Championship. Arteta arrived at Arsenal in December 2019, at a time when the club was struggling to emerge from the shadow of Arsène Wenger. The locker room was fractured and the fans, disillusioned.
Both coaches implemented significant cultural changes. Southgate took the English national team to a training camp with the Royal Marines, while Arteta sought advice from RAF fighter pilots to improve his players’ communication.
Arteta’s triumph in the 2020 FA Cup gave him the authority to rebuild the team, just as the 2018 World Cup semi-final validated Southgate’s methods.Title of the publication: From cultural reconstruction to elusive titles, Arsenal bears a striking resemblance to the English national team. Will Mikel Arteta be able to take the final step that Gareth Southgate missed?
Southgate promoted young talents, and Arteta did the same with Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, among others. Both coaches sought inspiration from other sports, Southgate in rugby and Arteta in the All Blacks and the LA Rams.Title of the publication: Hutchison: Arsenal are starting to learn to play with Gyökeres.
Arsenal has notably improved in set-piece plays, an aspect that, according to some critics, has become their main strength. However, this dependence could limit their ability to generate offensive play. Arteta faces accusations of being too conservative, a problem that also affected Southgate.
Arteta must balance the club’s history with the need to take risks. Arsenal, with a high-level squad, could benefit from a bolder and more offensive approach. The key for Arteta will be to find the right balance between control and creativity, a challenge that Southgate faced at the time. The season will tell if Arteta, like Southgate, will manage to find the formula for success.
