In a candid assessment of Arsenal’s pre-season performance and the integration of new signings into the team, manager Mikel Arteta has shared his observations ahead of the club’s Emirates Cup clash against Monaco.

Arsenal's Declan Rice (C) and teammates cool down after a friendly football match between the Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star team and Arsenal FC, at Audi Field in Washington, DC, on July 19, 2023. (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Declan Rice (C) and teammates cool down after a friendly football match between the Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star team and Arsenal FC, at Audi Field in Washington, DC, on July 19, 2023. (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Mikel Arteta is pleased with Arsenal’s performance during the demanding pre-season tour in America and believes it was a valuable experience for the squad.
  • The Arsenal manager acknowledges the toll of playing in seven different competitions in 
  • Arteta commends the quick integration of new signings into the squad, attributing this to the positive culture within the club.

In the face of the Premier League’s impending commencement, Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, has offered a thorough evaluation of his team’s pre-season and the integration of new signings.

During the pre-season tour in America, the level of support for Arsenal was overwhelming, according to Arteta.

Despite the challenges of frequent travelling and the competitive nature of the matches, the manager believes that the tour was incredibly beneficial for the team.

The enthusiasm of Arsenal supporters worldwide for their team is ‘just phenomenal’, he says.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 26: Kai Havertz #29 of Arsenal celebrates against FC Barcelona in the first half of a pre-season friendly match at SoFi Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 26: Kai Havertz #29 of Arsenal celebrates against FC Barcelona in the first half of a pre-season friendly match at SoFi Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

“We had some very competitive and tough matches, but it was a really valuable time for us, a very well planned tour, and very worthwhile for us in the work that we did. The way our supporters around the world follow the team is just phenomenal,” said Arteta.

In the wake of an unusually demanding season where some players participated in seven different competitions within a calendar year, a factor Arteta labelled ‘unheard of’, the club has adapted its pre-season schedule and the workload of certain players.

Arteta is conscious of the importance of balance and freshness as the team gets ready for the Emirates Cup and the Community Shield, all while preparing for the new Premier League season.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 26: The Arsenal team line up for a photo prior to the friendly pre-season match against Barcelona at SoFi Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 26: The Arsenal team line up for a photo prior to the friendly pre-season match against Barcelona at SoFi Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Among the highlights of Arteta’s pre-season assessment are the positive remarks on the new signings.

The Arsenal manager expressed satisfaction at the early acquisition of these players within the transfer window, allowing adequate time to integrate them into the squad.

The new additions have quickly adjusted to their new environment, with Arteta suggesting this speaks volumes about the club’s culture.

“The feedback we’ve had from the new players is that they feel like they’ve been here for years already. That tells you a lot about the culture here, and how welcoming and easy everybody around the place is, to make you feel part of it and part of the Arsenal family straight away,” he noted.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 26: Leandro Trossard #19 of Arsenal celebrates his goal with Kieran Tierney #3 for a 4-2 lead over FC Barcelona in a 5-3 Arsenal win during a pre-season friendly between Arsenal and FC Barcelona at SoFi Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 26: Leandro Trossard #19 of Arsenal celebrates his goal with Kieran Tierney #3 for a 4-2 lead over FC Barcelona in a 5-3 Arsenal win during a pre-season friendly between Arsenal and FC Barcelona at SoFi Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Arteta also acknowledged the significant changes these new players have had to adapt to, particularly in terms of model, expectations, and demands.

As a response, he emphasises the necessity of patience and providing the players with the necessary space to express themselves and reach their potential. This, he believes, is crucial to helping new players integrate seamlessly.

In conclusion, Arteta’s reflection on the pre-season and his optimism about the new signings reveal a manager ready to guide his team into a new season.

His strategic management of player workload and emphasis on a supportive culture bodes well for Arsenal’s upcoming campaign.