Mikel Arteta, who took on the role of Arsenal manager in December 2019, has responded with a touch of humor to criticisms surrounding the frequent changes in Arsenal’s formations this season. Arteta likened his strategic tinkering to navigating traffic during his daily commute, shedding light on the dynamic nature of football tactics.
Despite Arsenal accumulating seven points from their initial three Premier League fixtures, questions have arisen regarding the team’s consistent adjustments to formations. Last season, Arsenal secured a second-place finish in the league, narrowly trailing behind Manchester City, but faced a setback towards the end of the campaign.
Drawing an analogy that resonates with his coaching philosophy, Arteta explained, “Every morning I come from my house to Colney. One day I have a flat tire, what do I do? So every game is a different story.” His comparison underscores the unpredictability of both traffic and football matches, emphasizing the need for adaptability.
The manager elaborated on his analogy, narrating his own experiences, “Sometimes I leave at six and I need to go to the windscreen because it’s icy. At six o’clock normally I go Finchley Road and then the A21 because it’s faster. Now Finchley Road is 20 miles per hour so sometimes I take a back door. But then I go on the M25. But depending on if it’s a school ride I take one exit. If it’s after seven o’clock I take a different exit and then I go.”
Arteta’s point becomes clear as he relates his strategic choices in football to his route decisions during his commute. In essence, just as he adjusts his route based on real-time factors, he adapts his tactics according to various in-game scenarios.
He humorously noted the intricacies of forming a cohesive strategy, saying, “If we have another injury we’re going to have to do something else. If Bukayo (Saka) is not there we’re going to have something else. So the M25 won’t be good enough. Maybe we’ll take another one.”
Drawing parallels between his coaching philosophy and a taxi driver’s expertise, Arteta acknowledged, “If I speak to a taxi driver that has learned the whole of London for 20 years, I know nothing compared to him because he will tell me all the streets and options at the best time.”
During the press conference leading up to Arsenal’s match against Manchester United, Arteta stressed the dynamic nature of football tactics. He recalled, “I played different against Manchester City (in the Community Shield) and there were 43 different formations. Every time it is different.” His statement underscores the continuous evolution of tactics, further reinforcing his commitment to adjusting strategies based on the opponent and the circumstances.
Additionally, Arteta addressed the club’s transfer activities and the challenges faced during the transfer window. With the arrivals of forward Kai Havertz, midfielder Declan Rice, and defender Jurrien Timber, Arsenal has already made significant acquisitions. Arteta emphasized the complexity of managing the squad and stated, “Sometimes you want to do everything that is needed but sometimes it’s not possible and we have to adapt. We cannot go and buy another three players and if somebody else gets injured long-term, do something else. It just wasn’t possible.”
Arteta’s ability to draw parallels between everyday situations and football tactics adds a layer of relatability to his coaching philosophy. As Arsenal continues to navigate the challenges of the Premier League, Arteta’s strategic flexibility remains a key element in their pursuit of success. Just as he adapts his commute based on changing conditions, he applies the same approach to guide Arsenal through the dynamic world of football.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Strategic Adaptability
What is Mikel Arteta’s approach to formation changes?
Mikel Arteta creatively compares his strategic formation changes to navigating traffic during his daily commute. He draws parallels between adapting tactics in football and making route decisions, highlighting the dynamic nature of the game.
How does Arteta explain his tactical decisions?
Arteta uses the analogy of adjusting his commute route based on real-time factors to illustrate his tactical choices. He emphasizes the need for adaptability, especially when dealing with injuries or specific player availability.
How many different formations has Arteta used recently?
Arteta reveals that he employed 43 different formations in a single game against Manchester City in the Community Shield. This showcases his commitment to tailoring strategies according to opponents and circumstances.
What does Arteta’s comparison with a taxi driver signify?
By comparing himself to a seasoned taxi driver with in-depth knowledge of London’s streets, Arteta acknowledges that even he has much to learn about tactics. This highlights the complexity and depth of football strategies.
How does Arteta address Arsenal’s transfer activities?
Arteta discusses the challenges of the transfer window and emphasizes adaptability. He notes that despite the desire to make necessary signings, it’s not always feasible to address all squad needs due to various constraints.
What is the core takeaway from Arteta’s approach?
Arteta’s approach underscores the importance of strategic flexibility in football. Just as he adjusts his daily commute route, he adapts his tactics to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the sport.
More about Strategic Adaptability
- Mikel Arteta: Arsenal boss compares formation tinkering to beating traffic on commute
- Nottingham Forest sign Tavares on loan from Arsenal
- Arsenal learn Champions League opponents
- Latest Arsenal news, analysis and fan views
- The Far Post podcast
- Everything Arsenal – go straight to all the best content
2 comments
adaptability = key, in tech & footie. arsenal’s in gud hands w/ arteta’s tweaks.
wait, so arsenal’s like a taxi ride now? lol, love arteta’s analogy!