As Arsenal kick off their pre-season tour in the United States, head coach Mikel Arteta is buoyant about the team’s prospects. Speaking in Los Angeles, Arteta highlighted the positive mood within the camp, noting the high intensity and focus that has characterized the squad’s training sessions. The team began their pre-season preparations in Marbella before returning to the Sobha Realty Training Centre, where the players quickly adjusted to the rigorous demands of training despite jet lag and high temperatures.
Arteta also reflected on the Euro 2024 tournament, praising Gareth Southgate for his transformative impact on the England national team. Expressing pride in his own country’s performance, Arteta noted the challenging journey that culminated in their victory. He emphasized the importance of a well-thought-out plan to reintegrate players returning from international duty, ensuring they are not overburdened and can smoothly transition back to club football.
A standout moment of the Euros for Arteta was Bukayo Saka’s decisive penalty in England’s shootout win. The Arsenal boss praised Saka’s guts and composure, noting how his role as a senior leader has evolved. Arteta acknowledged the young player’s importance to both Arsenal and the England team, highlighting his growth and maturity over the past few seasons.
Looking ahead to the new season, Arteta stressed the need for continual improvement to clinch the Premier League title. He underscored that achieving perfection requires meeting extremely high standards, and the team must upgrade in every area. Arteta believes that Arsenal is close to reaching their goals, and he remains focused on winning major trophies, recognizing the fine margins that have separated them from success in recent years.
The US tour presents a crucial opportunity for preparation, with Arsenal set to face Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool. Arteta highlighted the benefits of playing in different conditions and against varied opposition, which will help the team adapt and prepare for the upcoming season. These matches will be vital in maintaining high standards and team cohesion, with the goal of winning each game.
In terms of squad updates, Arteta provided no new transfer news but confirmed the club’s efforts to strengthen the squad. He addressed the unfortunate injury of Takehiro Tomiyasu
