Arsenal coach Gabriel Heinze has made headlines since his arrival in July, with Mikel Arteta's side benefitting from the ex-Man United star's tutelage behind-the-scenes.
Arsenal feeling Heinze effect with defence getting even better
If the Gunners' backline wasn't already impenetrable, it certainly is now following Heinze's appointment.
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The Argentine, described as an "obsessive" serial winner with a fixation on duels, also has a history of weighing his players twice a day, but his intensity is reportedly making a mark at London Colney (The Mail).
Heinze, who already boasts extensive coaching experience from his time in South America, won the Argentine second division title with AA Argentinos Juniors in 2017 and went on to manage both Atlanta United and Newell Old Boys before joining Arteta's coaching staff.
His arrival has added depth to the coaching setup, allowing for more focused attention on defensive organization and transitional play. One of the standout areas of improvement under Heinze’s guidance has been Arsenal’s defensive cohesion.
Arsenal's backline already looks more structured and aggressive in pressing opponents high up the pitch, traits Heinze has reportedly emphasized during training sessions.
Players have apparently responded well to Heinze’s demanding style. His reputation as a no-nonsense, hard-working figure carries respect, which helps push the squad’s intensity levels higher day-to-day.
Arsenal's unbeaten run since defeat to Liverpool
Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-1 Man City
Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid
Heinze’s experience working under coaches like Diego Simeone is proving invaluable in instilling a combative mentality and resilience, traits Arsenal seemed to lack in previous seasons.
“I think that's something very, very collective with all the coaches, with the players, with their commitments as well and Gabi added something different, that willingness to win, I think," Arteta told reporters when asked about Heinze recently.
"We’ve seen that obviously through his career, that experience to win and to elevate somebody's level and ambition and drive to the highest limit and he's extraordinary at that.”
David Raya is one of the Arsenal players to have benefited most from Heinze's appointment, considering the Spaniard has a brick wall in front of him, and he's currently well on for a third-successive Golden Glove award.
David Raya shares what Gabriel Heinze has been telling Arsenal players
Raya is one of the best goalkeepers in world football statistically, prompting the club to reward him with new and improved terms, but the ex-Brentford stopper has undoubtedly been helped by a water-tight defence that Heinze's drilled to high heaven.
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Speaking to Argentine newspaper Ole this week, Raya has now shared what Heinze has been telling Arsenal players since joining.
“It’s showing; today we kept another clean sheet. It’s very important for us," said Raya after their win over Atletico in the Champions League.
“What does Heinze offer us? He’s been talking badly for a long time. He pushes us hard; he only wants the best for the group, especially defensively. He gives us a lot of energy, and tells us where we can be hurt in each match.”
While Heinze’s influence is still evolving, early signs indicate that his presence really strengthens the team.
With the campaign in full swing, his role in shaping Arsenal’s defensive spine and high-pressing game could be a key factor in how far the club goes both domestically and in Europe.
Heinze has already proven to be a valuable asset to Arsenal’s coaching staff, bringing a real intensity and experience that complement Arteta’s vision, and he's undoubtedly helped the team become competitive and 'no-nonsense' in their approach.
If Arsenal end their 22-year-long wait for a Premier League title, Heinze could end up being one of the surprise heroes.