Mikel Arteta has never been afraid to push boundaries when it comes to motivating and shaping his Arsenal squad.
From quirky training tricks to full-blown experiments, the Spaniard is constantly searching for new ways to sharpen his team’s mindset and performance.
His latest idea? Bringing in Royal Air Force fighter pilots to teach his players how to communicate more effectively under pressure.
Learning from the Skies
Speaking at the Lead Better, Live Better Summit 2025 alongside his friend and NBA coaching legend Steve Kerr, Arteta shared his plan.
He explained that fighter pilots operate in situations where clarity can mean life or death.
They don’t waste words or overcomplicate instructions—sometimes just one sharp, precise word can make the difference.
Arteta wants Arsenal to adopt the same philosophy. “I want to get in touch with those guys,” he said.
“I want them to analyse how we communicate in training, how we give instructions, and point out where we can improve.”
The Power of Being Vulnerable
Interestingly, Arteta isn’t just looking for confirmation that his methods work.
He’s prepared for criticism.
In his words: “Be vulnerable and get it smashed. Let them say, ‘You guys are terrible at this, you need to improve,’ and then work on getting better.”
For him, bringing in experts from outside football—whether fighter pilots, Formula One engineers, or other high-pressure professionals—offers fresh perspectives that can reshape how a team functions.
A History of Bold Experiments
This isn’t the first time Arteta has turned heads with his unusual methods.
He once brought in professional pickpockets to a team dinner, tasking them with stealing from his own players just to show how easily people can be caught off guard.
He also blasted “You’ll Never Walk Alone” through loudspeakers during training to mimic the deafening atmosphere at Anfield.
Even small details don’t escape him.
At the Emirates, he had the tunnel covering removed so that the roar of home fans hits Arsenal players the moment they step out.
And yes—he even introduced a Labrador named “Win” at the training ground as a daily reminder of what the team should strive for.
What Will He Try Next?
Whether these methods seem eccentric or genius, there’s no denying that Arteta is always looking for a competitive edge.
Fighter pilots, dogs named after victory, or surprise lessons in awareness—everything is on the table for Arsenal’s manager.
The only real question now is: what bold idea will he come up with next?