Mikel Arteta certainly maintains incredibly high standards at Arsenal, a manager who has never been afraid to speak his mind or make polarising decisions.
Shortly after Arteta was appointed as Arsenal boss, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was absolutely crucial for the Spaniard.
Aubameyang essentially won Arteta his first trophy as a manager, dragging Arsenal to an FA Cup win in 2020.
But when the time came, and Arteta didn’t feel like Aubameyang was necessarily giving his all to the club anymore, the Arsenal boss sold the striker without hesitation.
Arteta has created a ‘no exceptions’ culture, explaining why Mesut Ozil also departed the club fairly early on in this new era.
That being said, Arteta’s ideas and philosophies are all pedalled by his coaching staff too, who play an understated role in the club’s success.
David Raya says Inaki Cana pushes him to the max in Arsenal training
Nicolas Jover, Arsenal’s set-piece coach, often gets credit and attention, which he deserves.
But the same applause should also go to Inaki Cana, the man who is massively responsible for Arsenal signing David Raya and him becoming the goalkeeper he is today.
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Raya worked with Cana at Brentford in the past, a relationship the coach was seriously keen to continue in N5.
And when speaking in an interview with David Seaman, Raya provided an interesting insight into what training with Cana is really like.
Raya said he was ‘battered’ in a positive way, explaining that Cana knows exactly how to get the best out of him.
Raya said: “It’s really important, having that belief in each other. What he can squeeze out of me and what I can squeeze out of him.
“I’m a player who likes to really work hard and he loves that. He batters goalkeepers in a good way, to make you better.”
Aaron Ramsdale might be missing Arsenal’s coaches already
Of course, Aaron Ramsdale also made a ton of progress as part of Arsenal’s goalkeeping set-up, working closely with Cana.
Some Arsenal fans are still surprised that Ramsdale chose to leave Arsenal for Southampton.
It was obvious why Ramsdale needed to find a new club, but many eyebrows were raised by the goalkeeper’s preference to join a side who are locked in a relegation fight.
After facing Southampton earlier this month, Arteta shared what he said to Ramsdale, who delivered a solid display back at the Emirates.
A talented goalkeeper, but one who wasn’t able to match Raya’s consistency in north London.
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