This weekend, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay have the chance to deepen their friendship as their teams find themselves in the same city.
Both teams are owned by Stan Kroenke and will face off against opponents owned by Shad Khan: Fulham and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In a recent press conference, Arteta expressed profound respect for McVay, noting their regular WhatsApp conversations.
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“Sean is someone I greatly admire, not just for his accomplishments but for the way he conducts himself as a coach and as a person,” Arteta stated. “I learn a great deal from him.”
Over the years, they’ve exchanged strategic ideas, including discussions on COVID-19 protocols back in 2020.
In 2022 and 2023, Arsenal played preseason friendlies at SoFi Stadium, the Rams’ home field, and last summer, the two coaches held a clinic for local youth.
Arteta is still on the hunt for a Premier League title. After winning the FA Cup in 2020, the Gunners have finished as runners-up for three consecutive seasons, having last secured the league title in 2004.
In February 2022, McVay achieved the distinction of being the youngest head coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl at just 36 years old.
This Saturday evening, Arsenal will travel across London to take on Fulham in a Premier League clash, currently sitting at the top of the standings.
Meanwhile, the Rams and Jaguars will make their way to Wembley Stadium for their game on Sunday.
“We’ll be intertwined,” Arteta commented about McVay. “It’s going to be a packed schedule for both teams with the Champions League coming up on Tuesday, but it’s wonderful to have them here. It’s a great chance to connect everyone involved.”
Before departing for London, McVay shared his admiration for Arteta with reporters.
“What I appreciate about him is his desire to reflect and seek ways to grow. He genuinely seeks honest feedback to improve for his team,” McVay remarked. “He respects the great pressures of his role and embraces it fully. It’s inspiring to observe how he navigates it all.”