On Sky Sports, coach Mikel Arteta talked about the pressure and stress of working in the Premier League, and watching top matches like today's match against Liverpool helps maintain motivation and energy.
The pressure on managers has been a hot topic this week. In England, Jurgen Klopp announced he would leave Liverpool at the end of the season because he was running out of energy. In Spain, Xavi announced his departure from Barca because he felt slighted and constantly criticised by the media despite winning two titles.
From having to wake up early and plan the next game to the pressures that work brings to family life, Arteta admits it is difficult to find the right balance. But the Spanish coach sees games like the big game against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium as the reason he gets out of bed early and maintains his high energy despite the pressure.
"We are very privileged to do what we do every day," Arteta said. "I just love what I do. For me, the beauty, the energy, the passion and the determination to play big games like Liverpool is much bigger than the stress or the pressure."
Coach Arteta at Colney training ground, London on February 2, preparing for the match against Liverpool in round 23 of the Premier League today. Photo: arsenal.com
Arteta is always excited, but has no problem sleeping after games. The 41-year-old also wakes up early, which he sees as the perfect time to prepare for the game. “I sleep quite well but I wake up early,” he says. “It can be 5am, 4.30am or 5.30am, then it’s the next task. Your brain just works towards the next one and then the next one, and I start putting things together. It’s a good time when your brain works in a way that you start forming the right questions and I start putting some ideas together. That’s when I get out of bed, start writing things down and start thinking from every angle about how best to prepare for the next game to give us the best chance of winning.”
Arteta is not yet in a state of burnout, but understands Klopp’s decision and reasoning when his colleague announced his departure from Liverpool. The Spaniard sees his family, staff and Arsenal players as playing a key role in keeping his energy levels high.
“The first thing that happens after a long day is my three kids run out the front door and jump on me. My dog does the same,” he said, laughing. “Then my wife and then the staff. They’re always so energizing, positive, there and doing whatever they can to support me and help the team. Then what you really need is to look at the players, and tell them to jump from here to there, and they start walking to get there. That means they’re still listening to you, and that’s a really powerful thing. That gives you the energy to keep going.”
Coach Arteta called on Arsenal fans to applaud Kai Havertz after the 1-0 win over Brentford in round 13 of the Premier League. Photo: AFP
Asked if his family supports his work, the Arsenal manager stressed: "100%. They have to understand, want to talk about it and then give love, stay away from it and talk about many other topics that are equally important in life. That balance is really important and I'm lucky to have that."
So what does a top football manager do in his rare free time, when he doesn't have to worry about the next game? "There are a lot of things you can do but as an individual, your body tells you exactly what you need," Arteta explains. "I find meditation really good. It clears your mind and then you're in a much better state and you can work again. Reading is also something I really enjoy and I read about different subjects, about football, about other industries. It's really good."
Arteta is now focused on the big game at the Emirates against Liverpool today. Arsenal are five points behind Liverpool, and the upcoming match could have a big impact on the Premier League title race this season.
Last month, Arsenal lost 2-0 to Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in the third round of the FA Cup - a match in which the Gunners squandered many chances, including a close-range shot from captain Martin Odegaard that hit the crossbar, and paid the price. Before that, the two teams drew 1-1 at Anfield in the Premier League.
"The two teams know each other very well," said Arteta. "We've played against each other for many years and there are certain things we have to do when we play Liverpool. The intensity of the game is very high. The demands on the individual, the concentration, the attention and the quality you show are therefore very high."
Arteta wants Arsenal to maintain their usual style of play, showing belief and great desire. "It's easier said than done," the Spaniard continued. "But we showed that in the last two games against Liverpool. Now we have to add some details, and aim to win in front of our home crowd."
Since returning to Arsenal, Arteta has faced Klopp 13 times in all competitions, winning four, losing six and drawing three. Asked whether Klopp was the manager he struggled to beat the most, Arteta replied: "Definitely Klopp is in the top group. The Premier League has top managers and they make you think a lot. It's a test and you want to be better and test yourself against the best. The Premier League is the best place to work and it's very satisfying because it challenges you to reach another level and think in a different way, go in a different direction before you come back to what you want to do."
Coach Arteta argued with referee Michael Oliver and his colleague Klopp in the second half of Arsenal's win over Liverpool in the Premier League on October 10, 2022. Photo: AFP
On Klopp's biggest contribution to Liverpool and the Premier League, Arteta said: "A very clear identity. Klopp has changed Liverpool because they are now very united, from the fans, the members, the players, with a real competitive mindset and a team that has you on your toes for 96 minutes. They have been able to do that in England and Europe for many years. They set a new standard and that deserves respect and admiration."
Hong Duy
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