Mikel Arteta hires Gabriel Heinze to drive Arsenal Premier League title bid
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has appointed his former Paris St-Germain team-mate Gabriel Heinze as assistant coach to help end the club’s 22-year wait for a Premier League title.
After three consecutive runner-up finishes in the English top flight, the Gunners’ boss was left searching for the final piece of his championship puzzle.
The North London club responded by signing eight new players during a busy summer transfer window.
However, the most crucial addition to the dugout saw the former Argentina defender replace outgoing assistant Carlos Cuesta.
Forged in the French capital
The tactical mastermind and his new right-hand man first crossed paths in Paris back in 2001.
They were united under the management of Luis Fernandez, who signed the young Spaniard from Barcelona and the combative centre-back from Real Valladolid.
“It was a pleasure to manage them. What’s great is they haven’t changed.”
“They’re exactly the same today; loyal, hard-working people. When I see what they’re doing at Arsenal, I’m very proud.”
Fernandez warmly reflects on his time managing the dedicated pair.
A crucial brotherhood
Turning to a trusted figure who acted as a protective older sibling during their early playing days feels highly significant for the 42-year-old manager.
The Basque tactician was just 18 when he left his homeland for a daunting new challenge abroad.
He recently described those foundational 18 months in France as a life-changing experience that ultimately ignited his desire to coach.
That star-studded squad featured massive personalities, meaning the two recruits shared a dressing room with global icons like Ronaldinho and Mauricio Pochettino.
Overcoming early struggles
Life away from home initially proved difficult for the introverted midfield prospect.
“Mikel was living in a hotel that was quite basic. It was winter, the weather was cold and grey.”
Yves Ribardiere, the team’s former player liaison officer, remembers those challenging early days.
Pochettino, then an established 28-year-old international, initially took the teenager under his wing as a father figure.
“Gabi was closer to Mikel’s age and more like a brother.”
Former defender Didier Domi recalls the rapidly evolving team dynamic.
A shared winning mentality
Despite a four-year age gap, an immediate chemistry blossomed between the two talents.
Their bond was cemented through intense training sessions and shared family time away from the pitch.
The fiery South American was renowned as a fierce competitor who demanded absolute perfection from his peers.
In contrast, his younger counterpart operated as an elegant playmaker with exceptional technical qualities.
Edouard Cisse, who partnered the current Arsenal boss in midfield, insists the passionate duo shared a relentless drive that now underpins their title ambition.
