Gabriel Heinze - 'iron teacher' in Arteta's system

Gabriel Heinze is now Mikel Arteta's assistant at Arsenal.

Arsenal are entering the new season with high expectations, and it's not just the player signings that are attracting attention. Behind the scenes, Mikel Arteta has added a crucial piece to the puzzle: Gabriel Heinze. The former Argentinian defender – who previously played for Manchester United and Real Madrid – has now become the new right-hand man, bringing his characteristic strictness and passion to the coaching staff.

The prominent shadow on the sidelines of the field.

In the Emirates stands, few could miss the sight of Heinze during the warm-up: shouting, pointing, even directly correcting the defenders' movements. He didn't just stand and watch, but lived every moment of training with the players. In Heinze, there was a combination of passion, intensity, and an uncompromising attitude – qualities that accurately reflected Arteta's style.

Beyond being a defensive specialist, Heinze also communicated with the attacking players, encouraging wingers to play one-on-one and demanding that central midfielders frequently penetrate the penalty area. In other words, he wanted Arsenal's football to be total football, where every position had a responsibility to be proactive.

The decision to choose Heinze to replace Carlos Cuesta was not simply a matter of friendship. Indeed, the relationship between Heinze and Arteta spans over 20 years, dating back to their time together at PSG. Arteta once referred to Heinze and Pochettino as "mentors" in his early career.

But behind that friendship lies a shared mindset. Both worship intense pressing football, emphasizing discipline and precision. Arsenal once needed a young analyst like Cuesta to connect with the players; now they need a "steel mentor" to elevate their competitiveness. Heinze arrived at the right time, as a balanced addition to Arteta.

Heinze embodies a combination of passion, intensity, and an uncompromising attitude—qualities that perfectly reflect Arteta's style.

Heinze has always been considered a "disciple of Marcelo Bielsa." Wherever he went, he remained loyal to the 4-3-3 formation, high-pressing, and constant movement. At Newell's Old Boys, players weighed in every day, and anyone below 100% fitness was dropped. At Atlanta United, he held training sessions lasting 3-4 hours, making his players repeat exercises until they were perfect.

Not everyone can tolerate such strictness. Some love it, others find it irritating. But at Arsenal, where Arteta has established iron discipline in the dressing room, Heinze's arrival is almost a perfect fit.

The handshake of two perfectionists

Arteta is known for his perfectionism: arriving at training early, holding morning coaching staff meetings, and paying attention to every detail. Heinze is similar, only he expresses his strictness through a loud voice, direct actions, and intense pressure. This combination creates an energetic duo, capable of strongly influencing the players – especially the defense, where Arsenal needs solidity to dream of titles.

Heinze didn't come to change the philosophy, but to increase competition and tighten up every detail in training. In an environment with already high quality players, he can maximize their potential, instead of wearing them down as in his previous failed experiences in MLS.

Heinze has always been considered a "disciple of Marcelo Bielsa". Wherever he plays, he remains loyal to the 4-3-3 formation, high-pressing, and constant movement.

There will be doubts: Heinze came to Arsenal because he's friends with Arteta. But in reality, this is a calculated addition. A team hungry for trophies cannot rely solely on tactics or personnel; it also needs individuals who keep the team vigilant, demanding, and never complacent. Heinze is that very role model.

Modern football demands constant adaptation and the maintenance of high standards. Arteta understands that for Arsenal to thrive, he needs partners who can impose intensity, just as he himself experienced and learned from Bielsa, Pochettino, and Heinze.

In the long race for the Premier League and Champions League, Arsenal need more than just Gyökeres' goals or Odegaard's creativity. They need a defense that is honed every day. And in the corner of the pitch, Gabriel Heinze – the "iron coach" – is quietly contributing to building the foundation for that dream.

Source: https://znews.vn/gabriel-heinze-ong-thay-thep-trong-bo-may-cua-arteta-post1584289.html