Arteta reveals how he demolished his office on day one as Arsenal manager

Mikel Arteta has never forgotten his first day as Arsenal manager. The Spanish coach arrived at the Emirates Stadium in December 2019 after working as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City, and he wanted to set the tone from the very first minute. Now, just hours after his renewal until 2030 was made official, he has shared one of the most revealing stories from that early period in London.

• Arteta threw computers, laptops and cables onto the floor of his office on his first day in charge of Arsenal.
• He gave his new staff two minutes to put everything back in order and start working together.
• The Spanish coach admits the decision could have cost him his job if the group had not responded well.
• The story comes days after Arsenal announced his contract extension until 2030.

Arteta's first day at Arsenal: an office destroyed and two minutes to react

Arteta took over the Arsenal dugout during a difficult period for the club. The team was going through an inconsistent run and the decision to appoint a manager with no previous experience in a top role raised doubts among sections of the fanbase. However, the Spanish coach had a clear idea of the working culture he wanted to build from the first day.

During a conversation with The Athletic, Arteta described exactly what happened that day. Rather than simply settling into his new office and calling routine meetings, he decided to throw all the equipment he found around him onto the floor.

On my first day as the new Arsenal manager, I demolished the office. I simply destroyed the office and put everything on the floor: the computers, the laptops, the cables. Then I brought everybody in.

After that dramatic entrance, the coach gathered the staff who would work alongside him on a daily basis and sent a direct message. He warned them that, if they wanted help to enjoy their profession, their lives and the passion they all shared, they had exactly two minutes to tidy everything up and get ready to work together.

Arteta himself admits the situation could have backfired. If the staff had not responded as expected and the chaos had remained in the office, his career as a head coach could have been over there and then. That was not the case, and the moment became a statement of intent that marked the start of his project in north London.

Arteta's renewal until 2030 and the Premier League title Arsenal regained

The club's gamble on a rookie manager paid off. Arteta has not only made Arsenal a regular contender in the Premier League, but also managed to reclaim a league title that had eluded the club for 22 years. The Emirates Stadium celebrated a domestic championship once again, and the manager earned the full trust of the board.

Arteta's contract was due to expire in June 2027, but both parties decided to extend the agreement. The renewal until 2030 was announced a few days ago and guarantees the continuity of a project that has taken Arsenal back to the top of English football. Last season, despite some difficulties in the final stretch, the club confirmed its commitment to the Spanish coach.

Other Arteta stories since taking charge of Arsenal

The demolished office is not the only unusual episode involving the Spanish coach since he took over the Gunners. Arteta has used unconventional methods to work on mental focus and concentration with his players, and several of his initiatives have become famous inside and outside the dressing room.

Training with pens and pickpockets hired to steal from his players

One of the most talked-about practices was a curious pen-based training exercise designed to sharpen the players' attention during sessions. He also made headlines by hiring professional pickpockets to try to steal from his own squad, an exercise aimed at making the team aware of the importance of staying alert at all times.

Those decisions, just as striking as the one from his first day, are part of the approach Arteta has implemented at Arsenal. A method built on demanding standards, attention to detail and personal involvement from everyone at the club.

What Arteta's continuity means for Arsenal in the Premier League

The contract extension until 2030 is a clear signal of stability for one of England's biggest clubs. Arsenal have gone from rebuilding to competing regularly for silverware, and Arteta has become the central figure in that growth.

With the manager secured on a long-term deal, the club can plan the coming seasons without uncertainty in the dugout. The immediate goal is to keep the team fighting for the Premier League title and extend a period that has restored the belief among Arsenal supporters.

Frequently asked questions about Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal renewal