Arsenal have confirmed that Mikel Arteta’s assistant Steve Round has left the club by mutual consent.
Steve Round was appointed as Arsenal’s assistant coach in 2019 as one of Mikel Arteta’s first decisions after joining the club from Manchester City. Round has played a key role behind the scenes in the club resurgence over the past couple of seasons. However in an email to staff from Sporting Director Edu, Round’s departure was confirmed.
In an email to club employees on Thursday, Sporting Director Edu confirmed the departure of Steve Round by mutual consent.
The email reads: “As preparations for the new men’s season get underway we can confirm Steve Round has left the club by mutual agreement. Steve joined the club as part of our new coaching staff in December 2019 when Mikel started his role as Head Coach.”
“During his time with us, Steve played an integral role working with our men’s first team players and helping the significant progress which we have made in recent seasons. We thank Steve for his contribution to Arsenal Football Club and wish him and his family all the best of health and happiness.”
It’s been reported Steve Round’s role had been reduced in recent months with his exit known internally for a while. Albert Stuivenberg will remain in place as Mikel Arteta’s main assistant, however it remains to be seen whether the club will be appointing a replacement.
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Mikel Arteta is keen to add former Arsenal player Santi Cazorla to his coaching team once the Spaniard decides to hang up his boots. However it’s thought the 38-year-old wants to play one more year of football before retiring from the game, but it’s likely the Arsenal boss will try and convince Cazorla to return to Arsenal with a position open ahead of next season.
Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. [Image Credit: Getty Images]
Speaking in April of last year, Steve Round explained what his position entailed on a day-to-day basis: “My role as part of the coaching staff is first and foremost to assist the manager in coaching the team and to help coach positional units and individuals within the squad.”
“The crux of everything we do is to try to help the team win on a matchday. So I’m there to support the manager, to challenge the manager’s thinking and to share my knowledge as best I can. My aim is to help the team win but as well it’s to help the players and staff improve, and that’s the essence of coaching.”
“Then on a matchday it’s about helping prepare the team, whether that’s through individual conversations, unit meetings or supporting the manager on his team meeting. It’s about helping to formulate game plans and tactical structure to give the team the best possible information to help them be successful.”
“Once the game starts you move into more of an analytical role. How can we make a difference tactically or technically? Do we need subs? How and what are the opposition doing? It’s all about observing as much as you can.”
Steve Round will be a miss for Mikel Arteta with the 52-year-old being around ever since the Spaniard was appointed as the Arsenal boss in 2019. However it could give the opportunity for a former Gunner to return to the club in a coaching capacity ahead of next season.
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