\n<\/p>\n
While success across all age groups was a major part of the leadership team’s priorities list, there was – inevitably – a sharper focus on first-team performance amid an understanding that succeeding at the very top of the club would facilitate prosperity lower down.<\/p>\n
“We were very clear that the red arrow at the front was Mikel, and the first team was the one that we had to support closely,” Ellis said.<\/p>\n
“But that was also the pull that allowed us to do more. Consistent first-team performances allowed us to innovate more with the rest of the club, play risk and reward and invest in medium to long term.<\/p>\n
“Ultimately a club is as successful as first-team performance and we all understand that.”<\/p>\n
Edu’s exit in 2024 eventually led to Andrea Berta’s arrival as sporting director in April 2025.<\/p>\n
The Italian’s impact at the Emirates has earned rave reviews from supporters, with Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke among the players signed in the summer.<\/p>\n
Whether Berta’s business eventually ends the club’s wait for the title remains to be seen, but Ellis has seen the benefits of the Italian’s work first-hand.<\/p>\n
“The change from Edu to Jason to Andrea was an evolution for the club and one natural in any performance environment,” he said.<\/p>\n
“There were different approaches, but the goal was the same – to support a high-performing first team winning trophies.<\/p>\n
“And as you can see now, they are very nearly there. All three of them are very different people, who have very different strengths, and all have made a contribution to where the club are now.”<\/p>\n
Ellis, who confirmed his departure from Arsenal through a social media post earlier this month, is looking to return to the game in time for next season in a senior leadership role.<\/p>\n
“I feel I have unfinished impact and objectives I would like to achieve,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I have been through rejection, education, coaching, scouting, senior leadership all in this and would like to carry on.”<\/p>\n
And when he does return, Ellis insists people will be central to his ethos.<\/p>\n
“I believe that investment in people is so important in high performance,” he said. <\/p>\n
“You undoubtedly need all of the technology, the data, the facilities you can have to support, but it’s the people that are irreplaceable – connections, relationships, support, understanding, care and motivation.<\/p>\n
“Those who you lead, those who work for you or around you, they are so important.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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