Mikel Arteta claims Arsenal have entered ‘phase three’ of his five-step plan with title-chasers ‘ahead of schedule’
MIKEL ARTETA says Arsenal are in “phase three” of his five-step plan and admitted the Gunners are ahead of schedule.
The north London club have a five point lead at the top of the Premier League as the season heads towards its closing stages.
Fans have been surprised by Arsenal’s sudden elevation into title-contenders especially with the club not even managing a top four finish last season.
But Arteta has re-ignited hope at the Emirates and appears to have the Gunners back on track after years of mediocrity.
The 40-year-old told Arsenal’s owners the Kroenke family when he was appointed in December 2019 that he had a five-step plan to rebuild the club.
He updated ESPN what stage the club was at.
Arteta said: “[We’re at] phase three. Phase three is a period of time, and we’re a little bit ahead of schedule.
“It’s something a little bit private. It’s just my understanding and vision of what the club was, and what we have to capture and develop.
“I like to do it looking forward first and then you have to do it backwards. It just my idea of the club and the decisions we have to take to move it forward.”
The Arsenal boss was also asked whether he could see himself trying to build a dynasty at the club, similar to the long-term reigns of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
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He said: “If I’m in that position, it would mean we’ve done a lot of great things.
“But I take it daily. It’s the only thing you can do when you’re a manager. There are so many decisions, so many things that happen throughout the day that you have to be focussed on that. And not get too lost. The bigger picture is clear.”
It’s been an unpredictable journey of ups and downs for Arteta since he left his role as Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad to replace Unai Emery.
Only months after taking the role the country went into lockdown, with Arteta one of the first high-profile football figures reported to have Covid.
He would win the FA Cup at the end of that season but struggled to string together league results, leading Arsenal to consecutive eighth-place finishes before last season’s stumble up to fifth.
But he is now potentially just 11 games away from leading Arsenal to their first Premier League trophy in almost two decades.