Arteta admits documentary cameras were sometimes a 'distraction'

Mikel Arteta admits that Amazon’s All or Nothing cameras were sometimes a ‘distraction’ last season as Arsenal missed out on the top four… but he wanted to show ‘how much we care and love the club’ in new documentary

  • The first three episodes of the All or Nothing series focusing on Arsenal are out
  • Documentary cameras gained exclusive access to Mikel Arteta’s squad last term
  • The Gunners boss has revealed that the cameras could be distracting at times
  • But Arteta says the club worked with producers to show the ‘reality’ of Arsenal 

Mikel Arteta admits that having documentary cameras follow Arsenal around last season was sometimes a distraction.

The first three episodes of Amazon Prime’s All or Nothing series focusing on the Gunners were released today.    

The documentary provides insight into a turbulent campaign at the Emirates Stadium which included the emergence of exciting young talent, the unceremonious departure of club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Arsenal ultimately failing to finish in the top four. 

Mikel Arteta admits that having cameras follow Arsenal around was sometimes distracting 

In his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s season opener against Crystal Palace, Arteta revealed his thoughts on the series. 

‘The distraction, or attraction, was last year having them here every single day,’ he said. ‘We tried to work together to make sure that whatever is produced is the reality of how this football club is run. 

‘The passion of its people, the aims and responsibilities we all have to make it work, how much we care and love the club and how much we want to bring enjoyment to our people.’ 

Arteta acts as the central protagonist in the documentary, which revolves around the manager much more than in previous editions that have covered Manchester City and Tottenham.

Arteta was speaking at his press conference before Arsenal’s season opener at Crystal Palace

His often rather quirky coaching methods come to the fore, including playing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ from speakers in a training session before Arsenal face Liverpool to help his players get used to the noise of the Kop. 

The Gunners went on to lose 4-0 to the Reds, with the video clip leading to Arteta being ridiculed on social media. 

‘What on earth is Arteta doing?’ Arsenal fan Piers Morgan tweeted. ‘This is insane… and guess what, we lost 4-0.’ 

The series shows Arteta playing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ in training before a game at Liverpool

Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor was similarly perplexed by the video and slammed the Spaniard for his approach.

‘That is the most pathetic thing I’ve seen and if I was on that pitch training I think you’d be laughing with your team-mates,’ he told talkSPORT.

‘It’s ridiculous and the players are not going to be on board with that. These players are international players that have played in big atmospheres. I’m baffled.

‘When they play in the Europa League and they play Fenerbahce away, is he gonna get flares for the training ground and drums? Honestly, it’s ridiculous.’




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