In a striking revelation about his experience joining Arsenal, defender Riccardo Calafiori shared how Mikel Arteta’s unconventional approach became a key factor in his decision to switch from Serie A side Bologna. Calafiori disclosed that during their conversations, Arteta took a uniquely personal approach by sending him photos of his family and asking him to describe the significance of each family member.
"One day on the phone, he sent me some photos of my family and asked me to say what each member of the family meant to me," Calafiori recounted. "Nothing like this had ever happened to me before. I’m not saying that he convinced me with this alone, but it certainly represented an important moment." This heartfelt gesture from Arteta not only demonstrates the manager’s investment in his players but also reflects a deeper level of engagement that may not be typical in the often impersonal world of professional football.
Calafiori transferred to Arsenal in the summer of 2024 for a reported fee of £42 million and has since made 26 appearances across all competitions, contributing three goals and two assists. The young Italian has quickly become an integral part of Arteta's plans for the Gunners, showcasing his capabilities on the pitch.
However, Calafiori's remarks have ignited discussions about Arteta's overall management style, which can be seen as somewhat eccentric compared to his peers. While Calafiori praised Arteta's personal touch, others have raised eyebrows at the manager's unorthodox methods, including some past incidents that have drawn both critique and admiration.
In previous seasons, Arteta has exhibited a penchant for the gimmicky—hiring pickpockets to convey a message about alertness, bringing light bulbs into the dressing room to illustrate concepts of energy, and even playing Liverpool’s anthem, "You'll Never Walk Alone," during training sessions to prepare his team for tough matches at Anfield. Ironically, his squad lost 4-0 in that match.
Many in the football community have drawn parallels between Arteta's quirky style and that of his managerial contemporaries. For instance, former Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers faced mockery for his unconventional practices revealed in a documentary, such as exposing envelopes containing names of players he believed would let the team down. Yet, both managers are recognized for their significant talents, with the difference lying in their styles of motivating players and establishing team culture.
The mixed reactions to Calafiori's account on social media reflect the diverse opinions among fans about Arteta's approach. One fan noted, "Strange," while another quipped, "If I’m paying someone over £3M a year, I’d want to know about their family from their past life too." Others found the gesture odd, with comments ranging from playful to skeptical. A particular response stood out: "Arteta will do everything but win a trophy," pointing to ongoing frustrations among supporters about the club's trophy drought under his management.
As it stands, Calafiori is currently away on international duty with Italy, preparing for their Nations League quarterfinal clash against Germany. The first leg of this match is set to take place on March 20, 2025, at the renowned San Siro, with a return leg scheduled for March 23 in Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park. As he balances club and international responsibilities, Calafiori’s integration into the squad continues to be scrutinized, alongside Arteta’s ongoing evolution as a manager.
The complexity of evaluating Arteta's management style parallels the very challenges Liverpool faced when determining the next step after Jurgen Klopp. As the Gunners strive for consistency at the top level of Premier League football, the effectiveness of Arteta's human touch may yet determine not just individual player development but also his legacy at Arsenal.
In an era that demands results, the unique relationship fostered between Arteta and players like Calafiori may play an unexpected but crucial role in defining Arsenal’s future on the pitch. With Calafiori now providing glimpses of brilliance, fans will be eager to see how this personal approach translates into team success.
