Arsenal's Motivational Memorandum

After the draw in Kiev and before the game against Bolton at the Reebok, Arsenal players were reportedly given the memo below. It is said to have been written in conjunction with a sports psychologist and is geared specifically towards teams who are in the midst of tricky away fixtures.

So far I have no way of confirming whether this is a genuine memo, although it certainly sounds like the product of an Arsene Wenger managed side.

The confidential nature of this memo—if it is real—makes the leaking of it quite a shock, but it is an interesting insight into the psychology of Arsene Wenger and the group ethos of the Arsenal.

CONFIDENTIAL

Team meeting 19th September 2008-09-22:

The team:

* A team is as strong as the relationships within it. The driving force of a team is its member's ability to create and maintain excellent relationships within the team that can add an extra dimension and robustness to the team dynamic.

* This attitude can be used by our team to focus on the gratitude and the vitally important benefits that the team brings to our own lives. It can be used to strengthen and deepen the relationships with it and maximise the opportunities that await a strong and united team.

Our team becomes stronger by:

* Displaying a positive attitude on and off the pitch

* Everyone making the right decisions for the team

* Have an unshakeable belief that we can achieve our target

* Believe in the strength of the team

* Always want more - always give more

* Focus on our communication

* Be demanding with yourself

* Be fresh and well prepared to win

* Focus on being mentally stronger and always keep going until the end

* When we play away from home, believe in our identity and play the football we love to play at home

* Stick together

* Stay grounded and humble as a player and a person

* Show the desire to win in all that you do

* Enjoy and contribute to all that is special about being in a team - don't take it for granted