Ainsley Maitland-Niles, on loan at Southampton, insists he’s focused on helping the team and not thinking about his return to Arsenal.
Midfielder discusses loan experience
Southampton star Ainsley Maitland-Niles, currently on loan from Premier League leaders Arsenal, has revealed that he isn’t thinking about returning to his parent club.
The midfielder insists that his full commitment is with Southampton as they face a relegation battle.
Keeping in touch with Arsenal teammates
While Maitland-Niles maintains contact with his Arsenal teammates, he emphasises that their conversations don’t revolve around their respective teams’ performances.
Instead, they focus on personal well-being and support.
“We don’t speak about what is happening at each other’s teams,” Maitland-Niles said [The S*n link].
“It’s more like, ‘Hi, are you good? Hope you’re well and I’ll see you soon’.
“I’m just staying focused because I’m trying to help the team and get us out of this relegation battle.”
Positive atmosphere at Southampton
The Southampton player also highlighted the positive energy emanating from manager Ruben Selles and the camaraderie among teammates.
Spirits are high in the team, and training sessions have been impressive, indicating a lack of concern about their current position.
“The positive energy coming from the manager Ruben [Selles], through the changing room, then from player to player,” AMN said.
“The mood is really good. Players are fresh back from internationals, the vibe is high, the spirits are high.
“Training sessions are looking absolutely amazing right now.
“We don’t even look as if we are worried about anything. That’s a good sign.”
Comparing Selles to Arteta
“The way he lives and breathes football and looks at the game is second to none, like Arteta,” Maitland-Niles added about his current boss.
“Maybe that’s the Spanish mentality, the love of football they have.
“He’s a very straightforward person. He tells you what he wants and needs.
“From day one, he said, ‘This is the way we are going to move forward. This is what I want everyone to do’.
“Everyone has jumped on board and is happy to do ten times what he is asking for. You can see that in recent performances.”