Declan Rice lifts the lid on ‘important’ Mikel Arteta team meetings at Arsenal

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Arsenal star Declan Rice has now provided an insight into how Mikel Arteta conducts his team meetings at the club.

Declan Rice has quickly established himself as a star and fan-favourite at Arsenal. 

The midfielder hit the ground running after his arrival at the Emirates Stadium this summer, and has grown as a player in his time with the Gunners. Mikel Arteta has tasked Rice with developing his game in the final third, and the 25-year-old has already contributed three vital goals so far this season, including last minute winners against Manchester United and Luton Town.

Rice has also heaped praise on Arteta, who he clearly enjoys working under. Now, the former West Ham United man has lifted the lid on what life is like when working with the Spanish coach and his staff on a day-to-day basis. 

Speaking to the club’s official website, Rice clarified the level of communication he and his teammates have with the Arsenal coaching staff. The 48-cap England international said, “I can have meetings with the coaches whenever I feel like I need one. They’re always open to a conversation and I know I can knock on their door whenever to talk football or anything really. Sometimes they will call you for a meeting, but other times you’ll be the one to instigate it.”

“It’s the same with Mikel. As for team meetings, Mikel will host pretty much all of them. They can be before games, after training, ahead of a really important block. Basically, anytime a clear message needs to be sent.”

Why do Mikel Arteta’s team meetings matter so much at Arsenal?

Communication is, of course, vital in any successful football club. Arteta will have used the first team squad’s recent mid-season training camp in Dubai to reinforce plenty of messages and tactical elements of his side’s game, as well as introducing new ideas to the group. 

It is also important that Rice and his teammates feel that they can approach the staff for support or guidance whenever they feel they need to. Having that avenue for dialogue open to them will help the Arsenal players throughout the season.

With Arteta hosting regular meetings, it is also ensured that the messaging to the players is consistent, and time isn’t allowed for the key points to be forgotten.

The Gunners have an extremely important run of games coming up, which includes a clash with current Premier League leaders Liverpool. The Gunners need to put together as string of positive results over the course of these matches in order to force their way back into the heat of the title race. Arteta will surely conduct several meetings over the course of this period to ensure that the likes of Rice are as prepared as possible for the challenges that lie ahead.