No Filter: Martinelli silences Portsmouth boos with hat-trick
Video credit: TNT Sports
Asked if he has made mistakes, Arteta said: “At the beginning the focus was probably too much on the tactical aspect, and that means you overload them with information.
“How important is the emotional part, when you connect and understand how the player reacts better to your demands, that’s when you touch the right button.”
The Gunners have established a reputation as a miserly defensive unit and unerringly efficient set-piece takers, and Arteta revealed how standards are set from the top down.
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Highlights: Martinelli hits hat-trick as Arsenal hit back to dismiss Portsmouth
Video credit: TNT Sports
“Be clear what you mean with the standards,” he said. “Because standards, basics, habits, these can be very big words if they are not specific.
“So tell them exactly what you want from them. What is the standard? Is it just the hours, the standards you train with, how you react with body language, how you prepare for games?
“In the end it’s about the actions you take that represent those words.”
Arteta also discussed the qualities required to handle high-pressure games, and to maintain strong runs of form.
“The tendency from our perspective is always when we’re in this position to look at the things we can improve. We should do this better.
“But sometimes I think we have to look at all the things we are doing so well that have taken us where we are today, and make sure that we continue to do them.
“And we can add value with other things, great. But the players are doing so many good things if you are in the position that you are in. Make sure that they feel that, and that brings confidence, belief and conviction.”
While Arteta is now regarded as one of the most adept head coaches in the Premier League, Lodge was keen to find out how he would fare as an amateur manager.
“I don’t know, I’m sure I would be as passionate as I am here for Arsenal, because I think that’s something that comes from within – it doesn’t matter the level,” Arteta said.
“Huge admiration when I see these kind of coaches and what they do. This authenticity and love for the game, it’s what is beautiful to watch.”
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