Arsenal icon Martin Keown claims Arsene Wenger ’s decision to employ a sports psychologist was key to the Gunners’ success under the Frenchman as Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag attempts to follow suit.
The Red Devils are reeling following their 7-0 thumping at the hands of fierce rivals Liverpool at the weekend. That defeat saw their hopes of a title challenge sustain a huge blow - Arsenal now sitting 14 points clear of Ten Hag’s side.
The Dutchman is attempting to get his side back on track by encouraging his players to speak to club psychologist Rainier Koers throughout the remainder of the campaign. Arsenal hero Keown has revealed that the Gunners also turned to psychological help during his time with the club.
Legendary boss Wenger introduced a psychologist after being beaten to the Premier League title by Man Utd in 1999, 2000 and 2001, as well as finishing as runners-up to Galatasaray and Liverpool in the UEFA Cup and FA Cup respectively.
Speaking to MailOnline, Keown recalled: “Arsene Wenger identified we needed help refocusing our minds and one day, this sports psychologist called Dave Elliott wandered in and told us, 'You guys are second best'.
“We had World Cup winners dotted around the dressing room who weren't really happy with those blunt comments. Who does this guy think he is? But we thought, 'OK, we'll listen to him'.
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“He then got us talking about how we could become winners again. We agreed we had to improve. It turned into a group discussion.
“The overwhelming agreement was that we had to get back to boiling point. I'd like to stress we already had an incredible manager with outstanding members of staff and a talented group of players. But the mental support is the icing on the cake.”
The decision to introduce a psychologist certainly bore fruit for the north Londoners as they lifted seven trophies throughout the next four seasons under the tutelage of the Frenchman. Keown continued: “If you can gain the mental strength to go alongside those special people and players, then anything is achievable.
“We found that extra 10 per cent and won our second Premier League-FA Cup double in 2001-02. Then the FA Cup in 2002-03. Then the Premier League as Invincibles in 2003-04.
“We'd fronted up our issues, tackled our problems, and turned ourselves around. We had this tremendous team spirit. Maybe in those days, there was a stigma with psychologists in the football arena. But I believe they can help a team rediscover its goals.”
Man Utd players had already been discussing the prospect of lifting the Premier League title ahead of the trip to Anfield on WhatsApp, only for Liverpool to bring them back down to Earth with a huge bump.
