Mikel Arteta has been widely credited with transforming Arsenal’s mentality, instilling a fresh sense of belief within the club. Jorginho, the Italian midfielder, recently opened up about his experiences at both Chelsea and Arsenal, contrasting the two clubs’ approaches to winning silverware. He revealed that during his time at Chelsea, there was an inherent expectation of securing trophies, whereas Arsenal, before Arteta’s arrival, seemed to lack that conviction.
Speaking on the “Seaman Says” podcast via Betway, Jorginho shed light on how Arteta’s leadership has brought about a noticeable shift in Arsenal’s mindset. His insights highlight how the Gunners have evolved from a team without trophy-winning belief to one now competing with the likes of Manchester City for Premier League dominance.
Reflecting on his time at Stamford Bridge, Jorginho spoke of Chelsea’s ingrained winning culture. “At Chelsea, in any context, any situation, Chelsea would get a trophy,” he said. “Whatever it was – Carabao Cup, FA Cup, Premier League, Champions League, Europa League – there was always something to take home.”
This mindset wasn’t just a hollow belief but a well-oiled culture of success. Jorginho attributed Chelsea’s consistent ability to secure silverware to their collective mentality, where the squad’s hunger for success matched the club’s high standards. “It’s just how things were,” he explained. “At Chelsea, you trained and played with the expectation of winning something every season. It was part of the DNA.”
During his time at Chelsea, Jorginho enjoyed considerable success, winning the Champions League, Europa League, and other domestic honors. The Italian midfielder’s remarks underline the stark difference in approach and expectations between Chelsea and Arsenal during his tenure with the Blues.
In contrast, Jorginho described Arsenal as a club in transition when he joined. Before Mikel Arteta’s arrival, the Gunners struggled to consistently challenge for major honors. “It didn’t happen at Arsenal before,” Jorginho said, referring to the club’s lack of belief in their ability to win trophies.
However, the arrival of Arteta marked a turning point. According to Jorginho, the Spanish manager has instilled a winning mentality at Arsenal, creating an atmosphere where players believe in their potential to achieve greatness. “The mentality now is different because you can see the hunger of wanting to win,” he noted. “Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but the willingness and the hard work are there.”
Arteta’s influence extends beyond tactics and team selection. Jorginho highlighted how the training ground environment reflects Arteta’s emphasis on success. “The way you train every day, the information you have – even the pictures on the walls at the training ground – everything in that atmosphere is about winning,” he explained. “It’s really good because [Mikel] put up all these messages that you can’t ignore. They remind you every day of what you’re working towards.”
Arsenal’s primary focus this season is to challenge Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. Jorginho believes that the Gunners now possess the mentality to compete with Pep Guardiola’s dominant side. “You can feel the change,” he said. “The team is motivated to overcome Manchester City and prove that we belong at the top.”
Key to this transformation has been Arteta’s ability to inspire belief in his players. Jorginho emphasized that the team’s hunger and work ethic are evident in every aspect of their preparation. Whether in training sessions or during matches, the players are driven by a collective desire to succeed.
Jorginho’s comments also came in the context of praising Arsenal’s recent acquisition of Declan Rice. The England midfielder, signed from West Ham United, has already made a significant impact on the team. Jorginho believes that Rice’s presence further strengthens Arsenal’s midfield and adds to their title credentials.
“Declan is a fantastic player,” Jorginho said. “He brings so much energy and quality to the team. With him in the squad, we’re even better equipped to compete at the highest level.”
Arteta’s vision for Arsenal goes beyond short-term success. The manager has implemented a long-term plan to build a team capable of sustained excellence. From integrating young talents like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe to bringing in experienced players like Jorginho and Rice, Arteta has struck a balance between youth and experience.
Jorginho praised Arteta’s leadership and ability to connect with players on a personal level. “He knows how to get the best out of everyone,” he said. “Whether it’s through tactical advice or motivational talks, he’s always pushing us to improve.”
Another factor contributing to Arsenal’s resurgence is the unwavering support of their fans. The Emirates Stadium has become a fortress, with supporters creating an electric atmosphere that motivates the players. Jorginho acknowledged the role of the fans in driving the team forward. “The fans have been incredible,” he said. “Their passion and energy make a huge difference, especially in tough games.”
Jorginho’s reflections provide a fascinating insight into the contrasting cultures at Chelsea and Arsenal. While Chelsea’s trophy-winning mentality is deeply ingrained, Arsenal’s transformation under Mikel Arteta demonstrates the power of belief and hard work. With Arteta at the helm, the Gunners are no longer content with merely competing – they are determined to win.
As Arsenal continue their quest for silverware, Jorginho’s experience and leadership will be invaluable. His comments underscore the progress the club has made and the potential for even greater success in the future. The shift in mentality at Arsenal is a testament to Arteta’s vision and the collective effort of everyone involved at the club.
