Who is Gabriel Heinze? Arsenal's new Coaching staff under Mikel Arteta who played for Man United and Real Madrid

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Arsenal Football Club has confirmed the appointment of Gabriel Heinze as a first-team coach under manager Mikel Arteta, as the club announced on Tuesday (July 8).

The former Argentina international and Manchester United defender joins the Gunners' backroom staff, filling the vacancy left by Carlos Cuesta, who recently departed to become head coach at Serie A club Parma.

Who is Gabriel Heinze?

Heinze, 47, brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished playing career that spanned top clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Marseille. He won league titles in England, Spain, France, and Argentina, and earned 72 caps for Argentina, appearing in two FIFA World Cups and two Copa América tournaments.

Since retiring in 2014, Heinze has managed several clubs in Argentina, including Vélez Sarsfield and Newell's Old Boys, as well as a brief stint at Atlanta United in Major League Soccer in 2021. The appointment reunites Heinze with Arteta, with whom he played at Paris Saint-Germain during the 2001-02 season. Arteta has previously described Heinze as an influential figure in his early career, citing his professionalism and leadership.

Heinze's role at Arsenal is expected to focus on tactical coaching, particularly strengthening the team's defensive strategies, while supporting Arteta's vision as the club aims to build on three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League.

Heinze joins a coaching team that includes assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg, set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana, and first-team coach Miguel Molina. Arsenal have not disclosed the length of Heinze's contract but expressed confidence in his ability to contribute to the club's ambitions.

"We are excited with the introduction of Gabriel to our men's first-team coaching staff, and welcome him and his family to Arsenal," a statement from the London club read.

The Gunners have already roped in Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi in their squad this season, while Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is expected to join the North London club in coming days. Apart from that, Arsenal are on the verge of signing Christian Norgaard from Brentford, while they are also actively working on a deal to sign Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera.