“Arteta loves to play games with the opposition” : Oleksandr Zinchenko sheds light on Mikel Arteta’s pre-match mind games
Mikel Arteta has transformed the Gunners into a championship-winning team, as Arsenal are finally one of the top clubs in Europe who consistently perform in the Champions League as well. But apart from the Spaniard’s in-game tactics, it has been revealed that he is quite the genius off the pitch as well.
Previously, the Spainard’s unique pickpocketing technique to keep the players alert all the time went viral, in addition to the infamous lightbulb analogy he used to inspire players as we saw in the All or Nothing documentary on Amazon Prime.
Recently, Arsenal left back Oleksandr Zinchenko revealed another ‘tactic’ of the Spaniard, which is not for his players this time around, but is used to throw off rival managers.
Mikel Arteta likes to keep the other team guessing
Speaking to the Athletic, the Ukrainian revealed how the Spainard likes to keep things uncertain and not reveal his tactics to the opposition, even if it takes to go to great lengths like making injured players travel and do a little act in front of the cameras.
“I’ve seen Mikel Arteta tell injured players to come on the team bus and walk into the dressing room with their wash bag, to put the other manager off the scent. Arteta loves to play games with the opposition.” Zinchenko revealed.
Of course this is not a new strategy, but the Ukrainian believes that Arteta does not owe the opposition to see right through their management. In football, even the slightest of details could very well be the difference maker, and the Spainard understands this thoroughly, as he likes his opposition second-guessing everything.
An example of this strategy was already seen, when the Spainard stated that Bukayo Saka was ‘uncertain’ to play in their clash against Liverpool, but the winger started regardless and also scored nine minutes in during a 2-2 draw at the Emirates.
“I don’t want to make it easy for anyone, the opponent has to do their homework – like I do. If I know something for sure, I won’t lie, but if I’m uncertain, I’ll keep them guessing.” the Spainard explained post-match.
While these tactics are all well and good, the Gunners are still nine points behind Liverpool, and no other sly mind games will help the Spaniard and co. reduce the lead. Arsenal will look to close the gap against Nottingham Forest this weekend, who are breathing down their necks at fifth place, as they cannot afford to drop down even more at this point of the season.
