Arteta explains Arsenal's preseason preparations and player travel planning

After leading his team to the Premier League title last season, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta returned to his post after the summer break.

With the 2026-27 season approaching, Arteta stated that his energy has returned to its peak and clearly outlined his requirements for preparing for the new season with excellence as the standard.

Currently, the entire Arsenal team is in Spain for pre-season training, fully preparing for their upcoming friendly against Girona. Speaking about the team's condition after reuniting, Arteta praised the players' physical fitness and training enthusiasm, saying that everyone's competitive form upon returning is better than ever before.

For players from various countries who participated in the World Cup, the coaching staff developed differentiated return and recovery schedules. Arteta revealed that, due to the different playing times of each player with their national teams, the team has introduced three different preseason preparation plans.

Compared to specific schedules, Arteta values the players' positive attitude more: "Whether it's Kai, Victor, Del Piero or Declan, they are all proactively communicating with me about their return dates, and are even eager to immediately throw themselves into training and matches. This strong desire is more powerful than any plan."

In addition to the existing key players, newly signed goalkeeper Melier and striker Ciolis have also joined the team in training. Arteta confirmed that the management and coaching staff are working closely together to further strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes.

Facing the upcoming first title defense in 22 years, Arteta emphasized that the whole team must maintain discipline and ambition throughout the 11-month season and implement high standards in every day of training.

Image source: Internet/Arsenal official website