Mikel Arteta has added a dog to Arsenal’s training ground in a bid to lift morale.
The chocolate Labrador, called Win, has been a regular at London Colney since last month and has proved popular with players.
Her owner is a member of staff, who she lives with, but she comes in a few times a week and roams the training ground.
Win has a walking schedule and is even treated to some of the chef’s fine dining, with her favourite being grilled chicken.
Arteta is renowned for thinking outside the box in his bid to exploit marginal gains and last season rigged up speakers by the side of a training pitch to play ‘You'll Never Walk Alone’ before Arsenal’s trip to Anfield, where they lost 4-0.
He also brought a lightbulb into the dressing room before a team talk to emphasise how important it is to transmit energy.
Arsenal have enjoyed a brilliant season and are set to finish second in the Premier League behind Manchester City.
The Gunners currently trail Pep Guardiola’s side by four points and City also have a game in hand on them.
If Arsenal lose at Nottingham Forest tomorrow then City will be crowned champions before they face Chelsea on Sunday.
"We always talk about family,” said Arteta.
“And being connected. In my opinion a big family like we are at the club, which I feel we are a family, you need a dog to represent that family.
“I think there are still things at the club that can be done to connect with people, to be more caring with people, to show love, and I found this dog that in my opinion was the perfect representative of who we are right now.
“Her name is Win, we all love winning, and Win needs a lot of love. So the love for Win. That is basically it. So the reaction of the players has been incredible, the staff, she is one of us and will be on the journey together.
“Something that changes your mood (clicks fingers) like this. You come in the building like this and she is coming and giving all the love and suddenly you just feel the energy, the players on the floor just hugging her, it is just beautiful to watch. It is different feeling. For me those things are very important."
