Arsenal: 3 lessons Mikel Arteta can learn from Unai Emery tirade

2. Be a good communicator

Emery’s greatest issue was his communication. And not just because his grasp of his English was limited, although that certainly did not help. More generally, he struggled to clear and concisely convey his ideas. This was most pressing during Arsenal’s poor run of form, as he admitted.

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“I had a decent level, although I needed to improve,” Emery said. “When results are bad it’s not the same. You lack the linguistic depth to explain. And take ‘good ebening’: OK, it’s ‘good evening’, but when I said ‘good ebening’ and won it was fun; when we were losing it was a disgrace.”

The comedic factor of Emery’s ‘good ebening’ was silly, and a little harsh. However, there is a deeper point that should be acknowledged: he struggled to effectively communicate his ideas. In press conferences, in post-match interviews, and, presumably, in meetings with the players. He could express his ideas clearly.

Of course, Arteta does not need to learn English more. But he must ensure that his communication is clear and precise. Thus far, he has spoken sensationally, as many players have noted. He must maintain this if he is to influence the dressing room in exactly the manner he intends.