Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal, not just on the pitch but off it as well.
The Gunners were in a mess when the Spaniard first arrived. The squad needed major changes, the wage bill was a problem, and the atmosphere around the club was toxic. There was a huge disconnect between the fans and the club.
Now, that has completely changed. Arsenal aren’t just Premier League champions, but they have also created a very close bond with the fan base. That can be seen during every home game.
Arteta has played a big part in making that happen, and often, he has sought and listened to the advice of match-going supporters.
Mikel Arteta and Arsene Wenger
TalkingPoints/Getty Images
Mikel Arteta listens to an Arsenal fan’s advice and makes a promise
When Mikel Arteta first arrived at Arsenal, one of his first objectives was to fix the relationship between the club and the fans.
The Covid-19 pandemic made that more difficult than expected, but you could see positive signs at the Emirates Stadium in the weeks and months after the supporters were welcomed back.
Arteta took on board the advice of several supporters and implemented it. He has always been open to listening to the fans and doing what’s needed to improve that relationship.
This week, after signing his new contract, Arsenal organised a small interview between Arteta and a few Arsenal fans and uploaded the video to their website.
After a wonderful chat, the Gunners boss turned the question around and asked the supporters what they wanted. He told them to be completely open.
One fan mentioned how she was there for a couple of open training sessions last season and asked if more of those could be organised so that young players could watch their heroes and be inspired.
Usually, managers would issue a media-trained response, saying they would try. Arteta, on the other hand, instantly vowed that he would make it happen.
He said: “That’s a promise. That is done. We are going to get that done.”
That is why Arsenal fans absolutely love Arteta. There are several narratives twisting what kind of a man he really is, but every Gooner knows the truth. This proves it again.