We need Chelsea’s winning mindest, says Arteta
Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to replicate Chelsea’s winning culture, saying his FA Cup final opponents have fostered a mindset where anything but lifting trophies is unacceptable.
The FA Cup could today become Chelsea’s 17th trophy in 17 years since Roman Abramovich took control in 2003. Arteta cited Chelsea’s “core players” over the past 15 years as crucial to their success as he accepted that his team must recruit more stars in these key positions to enjoy sustained success.
“They have some very important core players in those winning teams and it has given them a platform to be consistent,” Arteta said. “They have had some really good managers, players and structure at the football club. But before the time you mentioned [15 years ago] they were not a winning team.
“They managed to change that mindset and convince players and put the pressure on everybody at the club that the only aim was to win. When that happens, everybody performs better.”
Asked if he must find some of those “core” players for his own team, Arteta said: “We have some really good core players. We need to add certain things, but we have the ability and the possibility to win a trophy so that tells us we are close.”
Arsenal’s financial power in the transfer window will depend hugely on whether they beat Chelsea and qualify for next season’s Europa
League. As well as trying to tie down Pierre-emerick Aubameyang to a new contract, they have explored potential deals for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey and Chelsea’s Willian.
Mesut Ozil has been absent from training this week because he has been in Turkey, with club approval.
Arteta does not want to add “extra pressure” on his players by speaking of the financial consequences of failing to win today. “There is no need to,” he added. “They are aware of it.”
Arteta revealed he had been tapping into the knowledge of Arsene Wenger, his former manager at Arsenal. “It is great to have him on board and he gives me great advice,” Arteta said.