The Reason Mikel Arteta Hired Pickpockets to ‘Teach’ Arsenal Players a Lesson

The Reason Mikel Arteta Hired Pickpockets to ‘Teach’ Arsenal Players a Lesson

  • Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hired pickpockets to teach his players a specific lesson ahead of the new season
  • The Gunners have twice played the bridesmaids in the Premier League and would want to end their Premier League drought
  • Since taking the reins at Arsenal in 2019, Arteta has shown no hesitation in using bold and creative methods to inspire his team

Mikel Arteta's unconventional methods of teaching his Arsenal squad crucial lessons have caught the attention of many. One of his latest tactics is particularly creative: hiring pickpockets.

Mikel Arteta deployed an innovative approach to instil a key attribute in his side during dinner. Photos by Thomas Trutschel and Stuart MacFarlane.
Mikel Arteta deployed an innovative approach to instil a key attribute in his side during dinner. Images: Thomas Trutschel and Stuart MacFarlane.
Source: UGC

The Spanish manager, known for his innovative approach, has significantly transformed the Gunners into genuine Premier League title contenders over the past two seasons.

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@blunttweep_:

"It's crazy how that goal difference is now shrinking."

@CBankyM:

"Garnacho running around without direction or google map."

@sundaypeter8110:

"Let's wait and see."

@bodhan11:

"City is clearly favourite."

@Tobichoplife:

"The last game will tell."

@ajayiyout:

"Regardless of what happens on Tuesday, it goes down to the last match. That’s what the premier league bosses always wanted."

@Patrickaug21:

"Arsenal will begin to support Spurs."

@Mayorofenugu_:

"What is that for? Man City still got a game in hand. Relax, they'll put it to bed."

Despite finishing second to Manchester City on both occasions, the north London outfit has consistently improved under Arteta's leadership, pushing the title race to the final day in the previous campaign.

However, the elusive Premier League crown, which the club has not won in 21 years, remains out of reach.

To bridge that final gap, Arteta has introduced some unique methods to sharpen his squad's mentality.

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Why Mikel Arteta hired pickpockets to 'rob' Arsenal players

According to a report filed by The Athletic, the 42-year-old arranged for professional pickpockets to attend a team dinner, with the players unaware of the plan.

The hired hands discreetly moved around the tables, lifting phones and wallets from the unsuspecting players.

After the meal, Arteta stood before his squad and asked them to check their pockets, revealing that several items had gone missing.

This exercise was intended to instil in his players the importance of three key principles: always being ready, staying alert, and remaining prepared in any situation.

What's next for Arteta and Arsenal?

Following their 4-1 demolition of Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, Arteta's Arsenal will return to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday to take on Olympique Lyon in their final pre-season showdown.

Afterwards, they’ll host Wolves on Sunday, August 17, as noted by Sofascore, with the Gunners aiming for a victory to ignite their title challenge.

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Arteta takes a swipe at Chelsea after Calafiori purchase

In an earlier report by Briefly News, Mikel Arteta appeared to take a sly jab at Chelsea, particularly in light of Riccardo Calafiori’s comments about selecting the right project for his career before departing Bologna.

The 42-year-old Spanish manager revealed he had multiple conversations with the Italian star to keep the deal on course.

Arteta highlighted that despite interest from other clubs and the allure of lucrative offers, Calafiori ultimately decided to sign with Arsenal.

Source: YEN.com.gh

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Justin Williams (Editor) Justin Williams is a multimedia journalist who recently completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Film & Multimedia Production and English Literary Studies from the University of Cape Town. He is a former writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa: South African chapter. You can contact Justin at justin.williams@briefly.co.za