New Arsenal defender reveals surprise at Mikel Arteta's management style

Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior, signed in the January transfer window, has admitted his surprise at elements of Mikel Arteta's management style.

The Polish international was drafted in to help the Gunners' surprise Premier League title push last season, but is yet to become a regular starter for Arteta in north London.

Kiwior has one start under his belt in Arsenal's first four games this season, playing the full 90 minutes of the 2-2 draw with Fulham at the Emirates Stadium, but has only appeared in one other game - that appearance was for a solitary minute as Arteta sought to hold on to a 1-0 lead at Crystal Palace.

But even though Kiwior is yet to become one of Arteta's go-to players, the 23-year-old is full of admiration for his manager, whose unconventional motivational style was highlighted during the All or Nothing documentary aired on Amazon Prime two seasons ago.

Speaking to Sky Sports about what it's like to play under the Spaniard, Kiwior said: "It's very different to what I was used to. Coming here, it's the first time I've seen this final meeting before going out on the pitch look like it does here. It's certainly something new.

"I was quite surprised that something like this was even possible, that a coach could come up with these concepts to shape our attitude to the game through all sorts of competitions and challenges to focus our minds.

READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP

"I'm going to say what all the other players say - that the relationship and co-operation is extremely good, and his tactics as well. He is able to convey what he means very well. Even if I wanted to say something negative, there is nothing negative to say."

Results on the field certainly appear to back up Kiwior's comments. The Gunners came within a whisker of winning their first Premier League title in 19 years, pushing Manchester City all the way in the 2022/23 title race, and look set to challenge the champions' dominance once more after a strong start to the new season.

Speaking about Arsenal's ambitions, Kiwior admitted: "Every player wants to fight and get three points in every match. We led the table last year. This time, we hope we will be able to keep it up until the very end.

"We have excellent players here. The level of competition is very high. But I'm happy that I am able to compete with such good players. Even if I'm not selected in the starting line-up, I'm trying my best. I'm happy whenever I'm able to help the team, so I don't perceive the competition as something bad."

LISTEN NOW TO 90MIN'S ARSENAL PODCAST: THE CHRONICLES OF A GOONER

On this episode of The Chronicles of a Gooner, part of the 90min podcast network, Harry Symeou discusses reports of Bukayo Saka carrying an Achilles injury, Martin Odegaard's new contract talks & more!

If you can't see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!