'Dark arts': Arteta invites a pilot to train Arsenal players

Mikel Arteta continues to surprise the public by inviting a Royal Air Force pilot to Arsenal, aiming to improve communication skills and optimize performance.

Coach Mikel Arteta further proves he is one of the most innovative and bold managers in the Premier League by revealing his plan to bring in a group of Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilots to work with Arsenal. His goal is to help the team enhance their communication during matches, thereby gaining a competitive edge in the 2025-26 season.

According to The Telegraph, Arteta shared this unique idea at the Lead Better, Live Better Summit 2025 held in London in early September. During a discussion with legendary coach Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors) and former Australian footballer Luke Darcy, the Spanish strategist emphasized his desire to deliver messages to his players in a concise, clear, and effective manner.

Arteta explained: “Sometimes I wake up and feel that our matchday processes aren’t good enough. From the coaching staff to analysts and then the players, our communication isn’t efficient. I ask myself: who does this best?

Theanswer is British fighter pilots. For them, communication is a matter of survival. You can’t use 20 words when one will do. I want them to come and analyze how we communicate over three days, identify weaknesses, and then we will improve.”

This isn’t the first time Arteta has used unconventional methods. Previously, he hired a team of professional pickpockets to attend the team’s party to teach players about vigilance.

In the documentary series All or Nothing: Arsenal on Amazon Prime, he attracted attention by playing the song You’ll Never Walk Alone during training to simulate the intense atmosphere at Anfield. Additionally, the light bulb Arteta used during his talk with players became an iconic image symbolizing connection within the team.

This creativity reflects Arteta’s distinctive personality: a coach who constantly explores and dares to challenge traditional boundaries. Experts believe that integrating knowledge from military, other sports, or even social life can help Arsenal improve focus and discipline.

On the professional front, Arsenal is showing a positive start to the new season. After eight matches across all competitions, the Gunners have won six, lost one, and drawn one. In the Premier League, they sit second, two points behind Liverpool, while also advancing past Athletic Club in the Champions League and Port Vale in the Carabao Cup.

Last weekend, Arteta’s team created a big momentum by coming from behind to beat Newcastle 2-1 away, thanks to goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhaes.