Oleksandr Zinchenko shares another genius trick Mikel Arteta has pulled at Arsenal to fool rivals

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Mikel Arteta has been noted for employing some unusual methods in his time as Arsenal manager. 

Mikel Arteta took over at Arsenal in December 2019, marking his first foray into management, having previously served as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, after ending his playing career with the Gunners. 

Since his appointment, the Spanish coach has certainly put his own personality into the club. This Arsenal squad has very much been built in the manager’s image.

There may be some concerns about how much power Arteta holds at Arsenal, but he has undeniably taken the club forwards since replacing Unai Emery in the Emirates Stadium dugout. 

The players respond to his methods and ideology, too.

• READ MORE: Arsenal’s XI for Mikel Arteta’s first match as manager

Oleksandr Zinchenko reveals Mikel Arteta trick

Oleksandr Zinchenko has now lifted the lid on another mind game that Arteta likes to play with his opponents.

Arteta is a very cerebral manager, and it is therefore unsurprising that he is always seeking ways to gain a psychological edge over his rivals.

According to the Ukrainian left-back, that endeavour even extends as far as trying to trick opposition coaches into not knowing which Arsenal players are fit for injured. 

Speaking to The Athletic, Zinchenko revealed: “[Arteta] likes to play games with the opposition. I’ve seen him tell injured players to come on the team bus and walk into the dressing room with their wash bag, to put the other manager off the scent.”

Zinchenko has had plenty of his own fitness concerns since his arrival in North London, so may well have been tasked with performing this ruse at some point himself.

Mikel Arteta’s bizarre methods at Arsenal

This is not the only unorthodox ploy that Arteta has masterminded in an effort to give his Arsenal side an edge.

For instance, during the most recent summer, Arteta hired pickpockets to target Arsenal players. During a dinner, the thieves were able to go unnoticed as they parted personal items from players. 

When the heist was revealed, and the items were returned to their rightful owners, Arteta explained that the escapade had been concocted in an effort to deliver a lesson in the importance of always remaining alert and aware.

During pre-season, Arteta also encouraged his Arsenal squad to bond by constantly shaking up the seating arrangements at meal times. This forced players and staff to all get to know one another, improving the overall sense of unity within the group.