Gary Lineker slams Arsenal for 'cringeworthy' training antics as Man City title race heats up

Jack Otway
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:14:51 +0000

Gary Lineker has launched a scathing attack on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's training approach, branding the Spanish coach's methods "cringeworthy" in the wake of the Gunners' damaging defeat at home to Bournemouth.

The 2-1 loss at the Emirates on Saturday has placed enormous strain on Arsenal's pursuit of their first Premier League crown since 2004, with Manchester City hot on their heels.

Speaking on his Rest is Football podcast, the 65-year-old former England striker suggested the north London club's recent struggles are partly self-inflicted.

Lineker said: "Arsenal are fighting themselves."

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The criticism comes at a pivotal moment in the season, with Arteta, 44, facing the prospect of finishing runner-up for a fourth consecutive campaign.

Lineker elaborated on his concerns, pointing to specific examples of Arteta's unusual preparation techniques.

Arsenal players were recently seen balancing pens, leaving supporters baffled.

"Arteta's slight verge towards cringeworthy dare I say [training methods]," Lineker stated.

"Obviously with the pens and they're all carrying the biros around and then they're playing TikTok films on big screens at training.

The England legend argued that title challengers should maintain composure and adhere to familiar routines rather than introducing novel approaches.

"You are drawing attention to yourselves and everybody is going, 'Well, surely they don't do that normally.' So you are showing the world that the pressure is getting to you," he added.

Lineker advised that any unconventional methods should remain private.

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The title race has tightened considerably following Saturday's setback, with City now trailing the league leaders by just six points whilst holding a match in hand.

Pep Guardiola's side will host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in what has become a pivotal encounter for both clubs.

A City victory would dramatically alter the complexion of the championship battle, potentially leaving Arteta's men vulnerable in the closing stages of the campaign.

"If you do something differently, do it in-house. Keep it quiet. Make sure nobody's videoing it," Lineker said.

"That would be my warm bit of advice."

He acknowledged the difficulty of Arteta's position, noting that winning would silence any criticism of unconventional methods.

The 44-year-old Spaniard has developed a reputation for employing distinctive motivational techniques throughout his tenure at the club.

At the training ground in London Colney, players have recently been required to work collaboratively, balancing footballs between their heads whilst gripping pens between their fingertips.

AI-generated TikTok content has been displayed on large screens during practice sessions.

Previous instances of Arteta's creative approach include incorporating a light bulb into a team address and arranging for pickpockets to remove players' possessions during a meeting.

Ahead of fixtures at Anfield, the manager has played Liverpool's famous anthem through speakers beside the training pitch.

His squad has also participated in group lemon-squeezing activities and assembled oversized dominoes.

Arsenal are next in action against Sporting on Wednesday night (8pm). They lead 1-0 from the first leg, with that victory achieved via a late goal from Kai Havertz.