William Saliba reveals Mikel Arteta’s new mealtime rule and says ‘it really helps when you’re on the pitch’
WILLIAM SALIBA claims a new eating rule from boss Mikel Arteta has brought Arsenal’s players closer together than ever – even on the pitch.
The France defender believes Arteta’s clever meal deal has boosted friendships and communication within the title-challenging squad.
The Spaniard unveiled the core of his plan in the Big Apple during the Gunners’ pre-season tour of the USA.
Arsenal rolled out promising displays in New York and Los Angeles as Arteta introduced his meal-time trick.
Saliba explained how the manager strengthened the unity of the travelling party by making them sit next to someone new at every food break.
The 22-year-old told Arsenal’s media team: “We do a lot of things to be closer and closer and to learn about each other.
“The coaches will speak to us about how important it is to be a unit and to be together, not just with the fans, but as a team as well.
“An example is when we were on tour in America. For every meal we mixed the tables. We don’t choose the table where we sit at lunch or dinner.
“We get to speak to the coaching staff, to other players and I really like that.
“There might be a player there who you speak to less and it’s a chance to know them more, to be together.
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“That all helps as a team when you are on the pitch too. It really helps when you are on the pitch.”
Judging by the Gunners’ unbeaten start to the season, they certainly look hungry to compete for each other.
The biggest cherry on the cake so far came last time out – a 3-1 home win over Manchester United to send Arsenal into the international break fifth-placed in the Premier League.