Mikel Arteta adopts a new role at Arsenal as part of distinctive preparations for the Champions League showdown.

Mikel Arteta has taken on a new role as DJ to help his Arsenal players find their rhythm.

Ahead of their Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb, Arteta introduced giant speakers during training, playing music to energize the session. The Arsenal manager explained that music has been a consistent feature under his leadership, used in the dressing room, on trips, and during preparation. However, this was the first time music was played during an open training session. The players warmed up to the baseball anthem Take Me Out to the Ball Game before transitioning to Brazilian tracks like Mas Que Nada.

Arteta said, “Music adds energy to our training sessions and helps achieve specific goals. It’s a big part of our culture. Music can change your mood and energy instantly, and certain songs have historical significance for our team. I use it when it feels right.” He joked about his own love for music, admitting that his children sometimes beg him to stop replaying the same songs.

Arteta was previously mocked for using music during preparations, such as playing You’ll Never Walk Alone before a match at Anfield, which Arsenal went on to lose. However, his unconventional methods seem to be yielding better results recently, despite the team drawing 2-2 with Aston Villa on Saturday after leading 2-0.

Arsenal can secure a major step toward automatic qualification against Dinamo Zagreb. A notable addition to training was 15-year-old Max Dowman, a promising talent, alongside Ethan Nwaneri and Riccardo Calafiori. While Dowman isn’t eligible to play, his involvement highlights his progress.

The club remains active in the transfer market, with Josh Kroenke, son of owner Stan Kroenke, expected in London this week. Arsenal is exploring the possibility of advancing a summer signing to January, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko among their targets. However, a move for the striker may have to wait until the summer, as Leipzig is unlikely to sell mid-season.

Arteta expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the Arsenal hierarchy but emphasized that strengthening the squad is always based on strategic needs. “It’s not about backing individuals; it’s about making decisions that improve the team and help us achieve our goals. If we have the resources and it makes sense, we will act,” he concluded.