How does a manager go about assembling his backroom staff? These are the people who will accompany you every day of your working life. They are your advisers and your confidants, your delegates and your advocates.



For Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta, these choices feel particularly important. This is the Spaniard’s first job as a No 1, and as such he stands to benefit enormously from the sounding board and support the coaching unit can offer.



He’s had plenty of time to think about its composition. Arteta first interviewed for his new job in 2018, and the make-up of his staff would have been a subject of discussion even then. In the 19 months between Unai Emery being appointed as Arsene Wenger’s successor and Arteta finally landing the job, he must have considered various combinations, trying to land on an ideal blend of experience and innovation.



Ultimately, he opted for a selection of people he has encountered through his playing and...