Mikel Arteta has spoken to the media for the first time this pre-season, shortly after arriving in Singapore at the start of our Asia Tour.
The manager hosted a press conference at the Singapore National Stadium, ahead of facing AC Milan on Wednesday, July 23.
He was asked about training in Singapore, the state of the squad, how the new players are settling in, the potential for further signings, and more.
“We are super excited to be here,” he began. “It’s been an incredible welcome from our supporters here, they are so passionate. We are adapting as well to the context, the weather, we weren’t able to train this morning, so we have to adapt to those situations as well.”
Three of our four summer signings have travelled with the group, with Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi all part of the squad. Noni Madueke will join training after his short break following his switch from Chelsea. Mikel said the new arrivals have all added a fresh impetus to pre-season.
“It’s like shaking the tree again and bringing new faces,” he said. “They bring new excitement, a new energy as well. We signed very important players as well. Again, everybody feels like their height has to go to a different level, and that’s what we’re seeking.
“Ideally, you want it (transfers) done on day one in pre-season. We’ve done very, very well so far. I’m very pleased with the way the club is supporting the necessities and improvements that we required in the team.
“Andrea (Berta) and the team have done an excellent job as well, trying to push everything forward. There’s still a long time to go in that window. We have a lot of hopes that we can still improve the team. We’re going to continue to try to do that.”
The boss wouldn’t be drawn on specifics of potential new signings, but did suggest further additions are being worked on: “There’s still a long time in the window, and we are seeking. In terms of numbers, we are short, and we have to improve the depth and the quality of the squad.
“We are constantly looking in the market, but until that happens, I can focus on the players that we actually have, work with them, and I’m very pleased with what I’ve seen so far in the first 10-15 days.”
Mikel was also asked to reflect on his last visit to Singapore representing the club, when he captained the side to success in the Premier League Asia Trophy in 2015.
“It’s a great story,” he smiled. “Probably ten years ago, I wasn’t expecting to be sitting where I am. A lot happened. I have great memories for the time that we had ten years ago here. Hopefully, we can replicate that. Train in the manner that we want. Commercially as well, send the messages and the connection we want to the supporters. We have to perform in the matches. Do it and win the games.
“Our supporters here are very passionate already. They are very excited to see the team. They haven’t seen the team for a while. So live it, connect with them.
“As well as immersing in the culture, we try to understand the way they feel about us and make them proud. That’s the objective.”
We will play AC Milan and Newcastle United while in Singapore, before ending our Asia Tour against Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong. You can stream the matches by buy a Match Pass here.
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