Aiming for Glory: Mikel Arteta's Pursuit of Success Amidst Challenges
In the world of soccer, success and setbacks go hand in hand. Follow Arsenal's Mikel Arteta as he strives to achieve his ambitions despite facing tough competition and obstacles on the path to victory.
Soccer players, managers, and clubs can see their fate hang in the balance due to small details. For example, the width of a goalpost, a controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision, or a surprising dropped point. Just ask Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
In the last two years, Arsenal has consistently been the runner-up to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in the Premier League. Despite their best efforts, the Gunners fell short in the title race last season, finishing five points behind the champions.
This season, Arsenal was just two agonizing points adrift as City lifted a record-breaking fourth consecutive title.
As the Spaniard knows, history is written by the victors.
"I told CNN Sport's Amanda Davies at the Globe Soccer Awards Europe Edition in Sardinia, Italy that when I don't achieve my dreams, it takes me some time to bounce back. But I believe in being a winner."
"I feel that we should all take pride in our accomplishments this season, whether in European competitions or the Premier League. It's been a great journey."
“But as well, that feeling of being disappointed and not having the Premier League in our hands is painful.”
Close but no cigar
Since former club captain Arteta took over Arsenal in December 2019, the team has been steadily progressing upwards. Their league position has improved from eighth in 2019-20 and 2020-21 to fifth in 2021-22, and most recently, they achieved two consecutive second-placed finishes. This success has brought Champions League football back to the Emirates Stadium, along with the return of silverware.
Arteta won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2020.
Arteta won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2020.
Catherine Ivill/Reuters
Yet it is the holy grail of the Premier League that he, the players, and the fans still so greatly crave.
It appeared at one point this season that the team would finally achieve their dream of winning the trophy for the first time since 2004.
The intense battle for the title between Arsenal and Manchester City went down to the final match of the season. Ultimately, City emerged victorious, claiming their sixth title in seven seasons.
Arteta expressed his excitement for the season, stating that the team is still fighting for the Premier League title. He mentioned the built excitement and belief among fans, players, and the club, emphasizing the desire to deliver a memorable moment. Arteta believes that both the fans and the team deserve it.
“You have to congratulate Man City at the end after 38 games. Two points more than us and they are the winners.”
Looking back did the Spaniard have any regrets on how the season played out?
Arteta expressed confidently, "No regrets."
He reflected on the season, saying, "You look at moments in the season, but this season has been almost perfect. To accumulate the number of points that we did - both us and City - in this competitive league. We can't compare this league to what happened two years ago, three years ago, five years ago."
"We shouldn't focus too much on those numbers because it's unlikely to happen. The league has evolved to a higher level now.
"It's important to take this time to recharge, work on getting stronger, understand where we can improve, and then come back stronger for the next season."
The dynamic relationship between Guardiola and Arteta, which dates back to their playing days in Catalunya, has been a key element in the intertwining narratives of their dramatic campaigns.
The Spaniards first came across one another in 1997 when Arteta joined Barcelona’s academy.
Arteta worked as an assistant coach under Guardiola at City.
Arteta worked as an assistant coach under Guardiola at City.
Jason Cairnduff/Action Images/Reuters
Their friendship, initially meant to be short-lived, blossomed over the years, leading to a reunion almost twenty years later.
After retiring as a player in 2016, Arteta joined Guardiola's coaching team at Manchester City. During his three years as assistant manager, they won a total of seven trophies together.
Since becoming the full-time manager of the North London team, both Arteta and his friend have expressed their appreciation for each other's work on and off the field.
Arteta mentioned that he had communicated with his friend through messages after City's remarkable league success.
He said, "I congratulated him and all the staff. They truly deserved to win. We will continue to strive to surpass them in the future."
He also mentioned, "There is the professional aspect of our relationship and competition, as well as the personal feelings I have towards him and the rest of the staff. I had a wonderful four years in Manchester, and that will always hold a special place in my heart."
Arteta is determined to surpass his compatriot next season. He believes they need to outperform them by being closer and improving their performance. Arteta stated, "We have to better them. We are closer. When you see all the metrics we are right there. We’ve been the best team in the league in almost every metric."
"We didn't manage to control the margin well, resulting in losing the league. That's the level we're at."
"It's tough, but having a team of high quality and consistency for the past seven to nine years is both challenging and motivating. Our main goal is to figure out ways to enhance our performance."
‘Players want to start lifting trophies’
And how Arteta believes he and the club can improve is by trusting the process which, in part, lies in player recruitment.
The Gunners invested significantly in bolstering their squad last summer with high-quality acquisitions throughout the spine of the team.
Arsenal has backed Arteta in the transfer market.
Arsenal has backed Arteta in the transfer market.
Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images
Could there be more big transfers on the horizon for the team this summer? England international Declan Rice broke the record for the most expensive transfer in British history, moving from West Ham United for a reported fee of £105 million ($137.45 million). German Kai Havertz also made a notable switch from Chelsea across London for a hefty price tag, while highly-rated full-back Jurrien Timber joined from Ajax.
Arteta expressed the importance of reviewing all aspects within the football club, including team margins, squad dynamics, and the overall development process. He emphasized the club's methodology in enhancing player performance, competitiveness, consistency, and raising their overall level compared to the previous season.
Arteta emphasized the need to focus on maximizing the potential of the existing players within the team. The key question being, "How can we improve and become better as a team?"
There are margins for improvement and players who still have room to grow, and that's our goal.
Every decision we make is aimed at improvement, while staying true to our identity and the qualities that have brought us to where we are now as a football club and as a team.
“The ambition is there. The players, the staff. You can sense it. They want much more. They want to start lifting trophies and that’s the next step.”
Long-term commitment
Arteta, like Guardiola, has one year left on his contract. He recently suggested that his time in the Premier League may be coming to an end after achieving success in the league.
All signs and vibes at the moment suggest that he will continue his time in North London past 2025, but there is no official agreement yet.
Arteta reflects, "In football, it's all about focusing on today and what we can achieve now, as well as what we hope to accomplish in the future."
I find that having some uncertainty in this profession can actually be beneficial. It keeps me motivated, sharp, and eager to keep pushing forward.
I feel like I have a strong bond with everyone at the football club. I am content with where I am right now, and I trust that everything will work out in the end.
