Ahead of their clash with Manchester United on Saturday night in Los Angeles, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed the media, fresh from a community event where he joined forces with LA Rams coach Sean McVay. The duo oversaw a coaching session for local kids, teaching them skills in both football (soccer) and American football.
Arteta delved into a range of topics, including the upcoming match against United (tickets available now!), the importance of securing a win, the club's ambitions for the coming season, and more. Here's a breakdown of his key comments:
On the drive to win the title this season:
"First and foremost, we need to analyse what we achieved last year, understand how we got there, and pinpoint why we didn't secure the ultimate prize â major trophies. Especially considering how close we came to lifting the Premier League trophy. We need to identify areas where we can improve.
The margins at this level are razor-thin, and we're working hard to establish exactly where we need to make progress and how to achieve it. My motivation and belief stem from seeing the hunger in these lads, the excitement within the club, and the collective desire to win. We really want it."
On the significance of a victory against Manchester United:
"Winning always boosts confidence and morale. We're facing one of the best teams in the world at one of the finest stadiums in the world, built by our owners. So, it's a big day for us."
On the challenge of conveying his message for a third title attempt:
"The message is clear: we need more from everyone. That includes me raising my own standards and bringing something new to the table. Individually and collectively, we need to step up. And our supporters need to be right behind us; the more they support us, the better our chances of winning the Premier League. We need to embrace this challenge with excitement and understanding. When tough times arrive, we need to be united and navigate them effectively."
On the importance of evolving the squad:
"The focus is on improving our players and extracting the best from them consistently, enabling them to perform at the level we demand every three days. We have identified areas within the squad weâd like to strengthen, but that's dictated by the market. We already have a fantastic squad, and we're giving opportunities to our young academy players to integrate with the team. It's a joy to have them on tour with us."
On the opportunity to engage with American fans:
"It's a chance to connect with our supporters. If they're Arsenal fans, great. If they're football fans, let's turn them into Arsenal fans. We want to inspire joy and excitement through our style of play. That's one objective, but the primary goal is to win the game, undoubtedly."
On his relationship with LA Rams coach Sean McVay:
"I know Sean well. We've met several times, and obviously, we share the same ownership, which connects everyone â coaches, players, and the entire organisation. We learn from each other's expertise and skills. It was fantastic to see everyone together. It's not commonplace, and we had the opportunity to do it, which can benefit everyone within the organisation."
On the value of pre-season:
"One key aspect is adapting to new stimuli â different climates, pitches of various sizes and grass types, diverse opponents, and unique stadiums. Players will be playing at different times, coming on in the second half, first half, or for 30 minutes. Some will play for 95 minutes. All these factors are incredibly valuable. During the season, we'll encounter a wide range of scenarios, and we need to adapt and win in every context. That's the aim."
On the similarities he sees with McVay:
"We're both incredibly young! That's one for sure, right? I think it comes down to the ownership; they've placed a great deal of faith in both of us. We've both experienced some fantastic moments and some challenging ones in our careers. You'll inevitably encounter both in elite sport, but they're incredibly stable. They understand what we do, are incredibly supportive, and passionate. We both share the ambition to win, and we're building our teams to achieve that."
On what it will take to surpass Manchester City this season:
"114 points â if we achieve that, we'll definitely win the league! That's the objective, and then let's see what we can achieve from there. But today, that must be our target: win every single game, earn the right to win, and maximise our chances against our opponents. Even when we face difficulties, we must outclass our rivals. That's the team's objective."
On interacting with the local kids at the community event:
"It's amazing. I love the culture here â it's so open, transparent, and full of energy in how everyone communicates. You talk to the kids, and some of their questions are very different from what kids would ask in the UK. It's a fantastic experience to immerse ourselves in this culture and learn from it. It's invaluable for us."
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