Arsene Wenger was ‘afraid’ of Mikel Arteta during time together at Arsenal as Theo Walcott explains pair’s interesting dynamic
### Theo Walcott Reveals Arsene Wenger Was ‘Afraid’ of Mikel Arteta During Their Time Together at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has arguably been Arsenal’s most impactful manager since the legendary Arsene Wenger. Despite not yet securing a Premier League title, Arteta has transformed the Gunners into serious contenders, consistently challenging Manchester City for the top spot over the past two seasons. Former teammate Theo Walcott recently shed light on Arteta’s inherent managerial qualities, sharing a surprising anecdote from their playing days under Wenger.
#### Arteta’s Managerial Potential Revealed Early
Walcott, speaking on William Hill’s *Up Front with Simon Jordan*, recounted an incident that showcased Arteta’s leadership potential long before he donned the manager’s suit. “The turning point for me in terms of how I viewed Mikel Arteta was an experience I had with him as a player at Arsenal,” Walcott began. “It was at a time when we weren’t making the top four. We had training in 30 minutes, and he locked all the players in the dressing room as if he was the manager. He was taking control of the whole space and telling us how it is. In that moment, it was like he was the manager. That’s when I thought he could go on to be a manager.”
#### Wenger’s Surprising Reaction
What makes this story even more intriguing is Walcott’s revelation about Wenger’s reaction. “Arsene Wenger was waiting for us to come outside for training, but we weren’t coming out because Mikel stopped the training session,” Walcott recalled. “He was such a strong character that even Arsene was afraid of him.” This insight into Arteta’s assertiveness and natural leadership abilities is a testament to his destined path to management.
#### Arteta’s Journey to Arsenal Manager
Arteta’s managerial journey began in earnest in the winter of 2019 when he left his position as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City to take the helm at Arsenal. He succeeded Unai Emery, who had struggled to make a significant impact during his tenure. Under Arteta’s guidance, Arsenal clinched the 2019-20 FA Cup and followed it up with a victory in the FA Community Shield the next season.
#### The Future Looks Bright
As Arteta prepares for the upcoming season, his relentless work ethic and strategic acumen are expected to drive Arsenal to new heights. The young, dynamic squad under his leadership is gearing up for another title challenge, with hopes of finally securing the Premier League trophy.
#### Conclusion
Theo Walcott’s anecdote not only highlights Mikel Arteta’s early signs of leadership but also underscores the transformative impact he has had on Arsenal. With a blend of passion, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Arteta’s journey from player to manager continues to inspire and excite Arsenal fans worldwide. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Arteta and his team, eagerly awaiting their next move in the quest for glory.
