Former Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard reflects on the transformation of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta from his time at Goodison Park.
Howard, who played alongside Arteta for five years under David Moyes, observes that Arteta has evolved into a different figure, displaying the intensity and focus required for success in top-level coaching.
While Arteta has ascended to prominence in coaching, Howard has transitioned his football career into a media role.
Howard talks about Mikel Arteta’s change
Through this lens, Howard recognizes Arteta’s thoughtful approach to his role as head coach, indicating a carefully considered strategy in conveying his message to the team.
“I have interviewed him a few times as a manager and every time, before the cameras start rolling, it has just been like the old days: he calls me Timmy, there’s a lot of smiling and giggling. It’s all very casual. It’s the Mikel I shared a dressing room with.
“But then the interview starts, he goes into game-mode and he has to be the person that he wants to portray. That’s not my friend. That Mikel the manager. He has changed.
“When I first got to Everton, he was one of Moyes’ Crown Jewels. He was far and away our best footballer. He was a really good guy and a really engaging guy. But Mikel was always somebody who took soccer very, very seriously. There was never an off day.
“He was meticulous in the dressing room, in the canteen, and on the bus. He was always studying film or talking tactics. He was someone to look up to, to mirror your lifestyle on.”, he said, as per The Sun.
Meanwhile, Sports Buddy reported in recent news that Mikel Arteta has provided update on Saka, Martinelli and Gabriel’s availability ahead of their crucial game against Manchester City.
