Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Josh O'Brien

Mikel Arteta follows up Arsenal's new dog by bringing olive tree into team meetings

By now, it is well-documented how Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta isn't afraid of unconvetional methods when it comes trying to get the best out of his players.

The Amazon 'All or Nothing' docu-series from last season showed the Spaniard blaring You'll Never Walk Alone' on speakers around the training ground to prepare his side for a daunting trip to Anfield. It also featured Arteta gathering his stars around a light-bulb in the dressing room before one home game, it's clear the Gunners manager likes to think outside the box.

His mad methods made news recently when it emerged that Arsenal's most recent addition to the squad was a chocolate Labrador by the name of 'Win', who spends most days at the club's training base in Hertfordshire.

The Gunners boss feels that she adds to the growing feeling of togetherness within the club and helps continue to make Arsenal feel like one big family.

Arteta's latest stunt is also sparking discussion as it has been revealed the Arsenal manager brought an olive tree into team meetings this season to show his players that growth only comes when roots are cared for.

Explaining the thought process behind it, the Gunners boss told reporters: "It is very strong but needs a lot of care.

"We have to look after the roots every single day, make sure they don’t get poisoned, don’t get damaged and remain in the right condition."

HAVE YOUR SAY! Can Arteta's quirky methods fire Arsenal to the title next term? Comment below

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made unconventional motivational methods his trademark (Getty Images)

In keeping with the tree theme, Arteta also opted to plant a 150-year-old tree outside his office and has often harked back to the importance of growth throughout his Arsenal tenure.

The Gunners are still reeling from their title capitulation and now know that defeat at Nottingham Forest would confirm Manchester City's status as Premier League champions for the fifth time in six seasons.

Before their trip to the City ground, Arteta opened up on the hurt that Arsenal have suffered in recent weeks as their hopes of a first league title in 19 years slipped through their fingers.

"Let's see where we finish in the next two games," he told reporters at his press conference.

"Pain is part of football - when you don’t win, when you don't perform at your level, it has to hurt.

"It has to hurt the right way and you have to use that pain to become better and to find answers and solutions that can help you win more. This is what we're trying to do every single day."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.