Football requires utmost concentration and alertness. But none of the Arsenal players would have thought that they would have to learn that by getting their pockets picked!
Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, is known for his innovative tactics and charismatic managerial approaches. The Gunners boss has been a phenomenon at the club, spearheading the new era of the North London club.

But the Gunners boss crossed a new bridge to teach his players about alertness and preparedness for any adversity, this time by hiring a few professional PICKPOCKETS! Yes, you have read it right.
Mikel Arteta reportedly hired professional pickpockets during an Arsenal dinner to teach his players a lesson. This tactic was meant to highlight the importance of being alert and prepared at all times.
At a team dinner, Arteta secretly hired pickpockets to steal phones and wallets from the players. After the meal, he asked everyone to check their pockets, revealing missing items. This exercise was designed to teach the squad about constant vigilance.
This innovative thinking is typical of Arteta, who views every situation as a learning opportunity. His obsession with improvement has spread throughout Arsenal, shaping the team and club around his competitive spirit.
Arteta's methods might seem odd, especially considering the real threat of theft footballers face. For instance, three years ago, centre-back Gabriel fought off thieves trying to steal his car from his garage. Also, former stars Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac once fended off some burglars and the latter even threw punched at those culprits during the confrontation.
Arteta's influence on Arsenal has been significant, leading them to consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League. His unique methods and dedication to improvement have transformed the club over his four-and-a-half tenure. The North London club came close to winning the Premier League in two successive seasons but got pipped by Manchester City. As the new season approaches, they will be hoping to go the distance.