Mikel Arteta’s work so far with Arsenal proves there’s much more to him than his coaching abilities

When Mikel Arteta came on board at Arsenal, he had a remarkable record as a coach. However, many wondered if he could be an equally good manager too? Going by the early signs, it is clear that there’s far more to the man than his coaching abilities.

As soon as the word started doing the rounds that Arteta could be the next Arsenal head coach, many started criticising the decision stating that while he was an excellent coach, his credentials as a good manager were yet to be proved. For instance, Danny Higginbottom clearly doubted his managing abilities in his column for The Sun.

Considering that he had no record of managing any football team prior to his arrival at North London, it wasn’t an unfair question to be asked. In fact, he himself took on such questions during his introductory press conference. Arteta even conceded that it was alright for people to direct such criticism at him.

He has completely changed the club’s atmosphere

Fast forward to now, the early signs of the time he has spent in north London so far is a good indicator that Mikel Arteta can be a very good manager too. Recently, Mesut Ozil talked about how he has completely transformed the club’s atmosphere. Regardless of the fact that The Gunners are presently placed 10^th on the Premier League table, a good number of punters at both off-line and online portals, including several reputed Vegas betting sites, are backing Arsenal to finish the current season at a much better position.

Some time ago even David Luiz had spoken highly of Arteta’s abilities as a brilliant coach capable of inspiring big achievements in the future. Granit Xhaka has already been convinced by Arteta to stay back at the Emirates, at least till the end of the ongoing season. Ozil on the other hand is working extra hard each day. In fact, every single Arsenal player is putting his trust in Arteta’s philosophy; something that can’t be said for Unai Emery, his predecessor. In simple words, one can see a clear improvement in both the feel and the culture of the club.

While nothing can guarantee if Arteta will prove to be an excellent manager cum coach, it’s too early to draw any conclusions; especially as he hasn’t even completed a month in his new role. Talking about his managerial capabilities or the lack of them would be highly irresponsible and naïve as of now. But going by the initial signs, there is an unquestionable potential in the man.

To conclude

Mikel Arteta is doing the best possible he can as an Arsenal manager right now. With each passing day he’s proving that there is much more to him than just a coach responsible for players training on the field. He’s proving that he can be an inspiration, a leader and definitely a manager. And by being all that he could completely revolutionise the club he has inherited.