Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta attempts to motivate his players by using a light bulb
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta used a light bulb to try and motivate his players ahead of their Premier League clash against Brighton last season. You can see that bizarre moment from Amazon's Prime's All or Nothing documentary below.
The Spaniard showcased some of his 'unusual' man-management techniques throughout last season's campaign. Back in October, Arteta called for his Arsenal squad to rub their palms together in an attempt to get "everyone with the same energy".
That fascinating routine seemed to have worked, too. The Gunners went on to claim all three points after a 2-0 win against Leicester, as goals from Gabriel Magalhaes and Emile Smith-Rowe in the opening 20 minutes helped them climb the league table.
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Arteta also reached boiling point after the club's shock FA Cup third round defeat to Nottingham Forest. After a big dressing down, he lifted the kit trolley and slammed it down before walking off. "It's nowhere near guys," he says. "It's f****** s***. I'm telling you, s***."
Three months later and the former Manchester City assistant was in a much better mood when he brought out a light bulb to create energy and electricity.
He begins: “[Thomas] Edison invented the light bulb. Today I want to see a team that is connected because a bulb by itself is nothing. I want to see a team that is connected with each other and that shines.
“And you want to transmit to him [your team-mate] light and energy and passion and how you play football, and you two the same. And each of us plays the game connected, because what happens when we play connected, guys? What is the next thing that happens?
"That we connect with 60,000 people [the fans] who create more energy."
Arteta goes on: “Because at the end is electricity, that through heat creates light and life. Because if not it would be f****** dark if this guy doesn’t have the idea to do that.
‘”And I want you to play like this today, because as good as we are it depends on one thing.
“What makes us special is our attitude, and today I want you to play with that attitude. Go out there, f****** turn the light on, and play football. Let’s go!”
It appears the light bulb team talk didn't have the desired effect, however, as Brighton picked up all three points thanks to goals from Leandro Trossard and Enock Mwepu.
They may have lost 2-1 that day, but the light bulb moment will always live on.
Topics: Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Premier League, Brighton And Hove Albion
Jack Kenmare