Bukayo Saka has now used just three words to explain what Mikel Arteta has built at Arsenal and what he demands of his players.
Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal since his appointment at the Emirates Stadium in December 2019.
The Spanish coach took over the club at something of a crisis point. The Gunners had fallen away from Champions League qualification contention, and had a squad full of players who were short of the standard required.
Arteta, along with sporting director Edu, undertook a major overhaul of the North London club on and off the pitch. They have now built a young, hungry squad, who are genuinely capable competing for the biggest prizes in the game.
The Gunners rise under Arteta hasn’t always been smooth. At times the manager came under real pressure, and there were periods of disappointment, and late season collapses that saw them miss out on Champions League qualification. However, the club stood firm behind the former midfielder. Edu has since revealed why Arsenal never considered sacking Arteta.
The club have been rewarded for their faith and patience, as the manager now looks to be building something special. He has made the Gunners genuine title contenders once again, and his side still stand a chance of being crowned champions this season.
Bukayo Saka sums up Mikel Arteta vision for Arsenal
Reiss Nelson has hailed Arteta for forging a special atmosphere and working environment at Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka has now opened up about the boss’ “vision” for the club.
As quoted by the club’s official website, the Hale End academy graduate said: “Mikel Arteta has had a vision from when he first came in. On the first day he made that clear to us, and now you can see it’s his team – it’s full of players he has signed, and you can see where we are now.
“The qualities he values are humility, discipline and fight. Those words sum up what he wants from the team…We are really together. Off the pitch we are like a family, we have that hunger.”
How important is Bukayo Saka to Mikel Arteta?
Saka has developed into a talismanic figure at Arsenal under Arteta’s guidance. The winger has been the Gunners’ most potent attacking threat this season, having racked up 20 goals and 14 assists across all competitions.
Saka has now been labelled a “world-class” player. He is a hugely important figure in Arteta’s squad, and clearly the attacker and the manager are able to bring out the best in one another.
