Arsenal fans are used to Mikel Arteta’s tactical ingenuity on the pitch, but the manager is now making headlines off it too.
According to recent reports, Arteta has introduced a strict team bonding initiative that’s leaving his players out of pocket—by thousands of pounds.
Chasing Glory After Years of Near-Misses
The Gunners are determined to finally lift the Premier League title this season, aiming to end a long wait since their last championship in 2004.
After finishing second for three consecutive seasons, Arteta’s side has started the campaign with high expectations, although a 1-0 loss to defending champions Liverpool at Anfield before the international break was a setback.
Meeting at Colney Before Every Game
Arteta isn’t one to shy away from unconventional methods to strengthen team spirit.
Reports from The Sun suggest he now requires every player to meet at Arsenal’s Colney training ground 24 miles from the Emirates Stadium before both home and away games.
The idea is to ensure the squad is in sync, with attention paid to friendships and body language as much as tactics.
Players Footing the Cab Bill
Traditionally, players either drive straight to the stadium or ride a club coach, but under Arteta’s new scheme, many are hiring cabs to shuttle them to Colney and back. Drivers reportedly take players to training, wait during matches, and then return them home afterward.
For away games, players cannot be collected by family members and must return to the training ground before getting a cab home again.
The daily cost for these cab rides reportedly ranges from £700 to £1,000—essentially half a driver’s weekly target.
This has led to a surge of local drivers hoping to get a call from the club.
One driver told The Sun: “For us, it leaves us looking forward to every game.
It’s more than half of what we need for the week and it’s quite relaxing. Also, who doesn’t want to be involved in football these days, even if you’re just driving them around?”
Arteta’s Unconventional Lessons Continue
This isn’t the first time Arteta has surprised his squad with unusual exercises.
Last year, he reportedly hired professional pickpockets during a team dinner, taking phones and wallets from players to teach them vigilance.
At the end of the meal, players emptied their pockets to find some valuables missing—a stunt that reportedly didn’t sit well with everyone but was meant as a lesson in awareness.
Fans React to Arteta’s Tactics
While the manager’s commitment to cohesion is clear, fans have been vocal about their opinions.
Many question whether these extreme bonding exercises are necessary or if they verge on overreach.
Regardless, Arteta seems determined to try anything that might give Arsenal the edge in their title pursuit.