In a recent interview with Arsenal.com, Belgian forward Leandro Trossard sheds light on his experiences in red and white at Arsenal, his feelings about new teammates, and the hopeful promise of the season ahead.

As Arsenal looks to mount a strong challenge in the Premier League, Trossard’s insights provide an interesting look into the squad’s dynamics and expectations.

  • Leandro Trossard speaks highly of new recruits and feels like Arsenal is family; believes in their Premier League title challenge.
  • Trossard praises Mikel Arteta‘s tactical brilliance and the positive influence he has on the team.
  • Reflects on Community Shield victory and the season ahead; acknowledges the competitive environment but is confident in Arsenal’s quality.
Leandro Trossard signing for Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Leandro Trossard signing for Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)

Leandro Trossard on new recruits and life at London Colney

After eight joyous months at Arsenal, Leandro Trossard has become an essential figure on the pitch.

With the summer signings of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, and Declan Rice, Trossard firmly believes in Arsenal’s potential to contest for the Premier League title once again.

“It feels like a family here,” he shares, appreciating the camaraderie among the team. “Once you enter the building everyone takes care of you, you can ask them whatever you want and it’s a really nice feeling.”

He particularly praises the latest additions, who he believes increase competitiveness and require everyone to be at the peak of their performance.

“Kai, Timber and Declan are all great additions for the squad. They all bring something and it’s competitive, so everyone has to be at the top of their game to perform well.

“It’s a really good bunch of lads and it’s nice to have them here.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber of Arsenal pose for a photo with the FA Community Shield following The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber of Arsenal pose for a photo with the FA Community Shield following The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Trossard has built a connection with Declan Rice since his arrival, appreciating him not just as a top player but also a top individual to engage with. “He can help us in ways we didn’t have before,” says Trossard.

“Declan’s a really good guy and, from the day he joined, I tried to help him to settle in. From that day we had a good connection. He’s a top player but also a top guy to speak with and we get along quite good.”

With the Champions League on the horizon, Trossard feels more robust about the squad. “We will definitely add some quality in different parts of the game. I feel like we’re stronger,” he asserts.

Trossard’s reflections on the tactical brilliance of Mikel Arteta

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 26: Leandro Trossard #19 of Arsenal celebrates his goal with Bukayo Saka #7 in front of Iñaki Peña (13) of FC Barcelona, 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 Bukayo Saka #7 in front of Iñaki Peña (13) of FC Barcelona, 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)

Leandro is visibly thrilled about manager Mikel Arteta‘s effect on the team.

His admiration for Arteta’s tactical insight is clear. “He’s a tactical magician,” he exclaims, explaining how Arteta has enriched his understanding of the game.

“Tactically, the way he sees the game is amazing,” he said. “He’s a tactical magician, I would say. He helped me a lot on how we build up, where the spaces are, and how to move if you play in different positions.”

Community Shield triumph and the season’s outlook

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrate following the team's victory after the penalty shootout during The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrate following the team’s victory after the penalty shootout during The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Reflecting on Arsenal’s stellar start with a Community Shield victory against Manchester City, Trossard acknowledges the competition’s intensity, particularly with Pep Guardiola‘s side.

About the title race, he observes, “We have all the respect for what they achieved last season.

“We know how they’ve performed in the Premier League, but it’s down to us. We have such a great squad with so much quality and if the game plan is there and we perform at our best we can challenge them.

“It’s hard to say who will be in the title race because it’s a long run and you never know what will happen in a season.”

He acknowledges Liverpool and Chelsea’s movements in the market but reaffirms Arsenal’s determination to win every game.

“I think Liverpool and Chelsea have made some good signings in the market, but we want to win every game and that’s the mindset of how we go into games. At the end, we will see where we are.”

On scoring the equaliser in the Community Shield win, Trossard emphasises the team effort and expresses his confidence in contributing further. “It’s really nice for myself, the club, and the fans,” he concludes.