Per Mertesacker on Arsenal’s Player Development Philosophy

The Modern Soccer Coach Podcast is back with a truly special guest. Per Mertesacker, Arsenal Academy Manager and World Cup winner, joined me for an in-depth conversation about youth development, leadership, and the values that shape one of the most respected academies in world football. This episode goes far beyond tactics. Per shares how his own journey, full of adversity and learning, led him to develop a person-first framework at Arsenal. He explains why character forms the foundation of performance, how daily standards shape long-term success, and why the role of an academy leader today requires as much clarity off the pitch as it does on it.

One of the central threads throughout our conversation is the Strong Young Gunners vision — a model built on preparing every young person for whatever challenge comes next, whether that’s the Premier League, university, or life beyond the game. Per discusses how Arsenal balances maximum challenge with maximum care, how staff are developed as lifelong learners, and why joy and freedom remain essential even in the foundation phase.

If you're a coach, director, or someone who works in youth pathways, this is an episode that offers genuine insight. Per’s perspective on modern player development is refreshingly honest, grounded in experience, and deeply focused on the long-term wellbeing of young people.

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