- 19 hours ago
Ex-Man Utd defender set for Arteta hook up at Arsenal
Robin Bairner
- 15 Apr 2024 08:50 BST
- 4 min read
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is always looking for ways to strengthen his team – and that will be truer than ever following Sunday’s 2-0 loss against Aston Villa in the Premier League.
The defeat leaves the Gunners second in the standings, two points behind Manchester City.
If the crown is not out of reach, the likelihood is that Arsenal will have to be perfect between now and the end of the season in order to unseat the three-time defending champions.
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Arteta, no doubt seeking to reinforce the mental side of his game to his players, is aiming to add Gabriel Heinze to his backroom staff, according to ESPN.
“Arteta and Heinze recently watched a youth match in Madrid together,” Leandro Alves reports.
“We will see if his possible job at San Lorenzo materialises or if he goes to Arsenal instead.
“Today [Sunday], he is in London.”
READ MORE: 'Messi tempted to join Arsenal' - agent
The 46-year-old was known as a hard-nosed defender during a career that saw him play with the likes of PSG, Manchester United and Real Madrid, winning 72 caps for Argentina in the process.
Heinze has since moved into coaching and has been manager at the likes of Argentinos Juniors, Velez Sarsfield, Atlanta United and Newell’s Old Boys, where he departed in November.
Arteta y Heinze compartieron hace poco un partido de juveniles en Madrid.
Veremos si prospera la posibilidad del Gringo en #SanLorenzo o lo del #Arsenal termina materializandose.
Hoy Gabriel está en Londres pic.twitter.com/7kQbLiziHu— Leandro Alves (@lea_alves) April 14, 2024
Heinze a mentality monster
Heinze was admired throughout his playing career for his aggressive approach, which he has translated to his teams.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is one who attempts to model his game on him.
“Gabriel Heinze is my idol. I love him,” he said in a 2022 interview with Sky Sports.
I love the way he played, very aggressive, good mentality, good mentality in the duels. Every game as a final. He was a top player.
- Lisandro Martinez on Gabriel Heinze“I love the way he played, very aggressive, good mentality, good mentality in the duels. Every game as a final. He was a top player.
“I try to play like him. We are a bit different as well, but I like his mentality.”
Arsenal could use a bit of this winning mentality as they seek that elusive Premier League title.
