Mikel Arteta faced the media after our 4-0 Florida Cup victory over Chelsea on Saturday, and was asked about his team’s development, the options he has on defense and the latest on our injured players. .
Here is a full transcript of what he said…
on whether Arsenal fans should be excited about this team…
Yes, but it was a friendly match. As you can see, there are a lot of positive things to take away from the game. The way we played, the intensity we showed, the way we tried to show who we are as a team. But at the same time, it’s just a test. Do not be put off. There are still many things we need to improve and do better. But I think it’s good to get some momentum, to end the tour the right way, to bring some fun to our fans and everyone who has contributed to making this tour happen. Now it’s time to go back to London, focus and continue improving and taking steps forward.
on the importance of doing business early…
It’s great for any coach you ask of it, the sooner you get the players the better. Because they need to get into team cohesion, understanding each other, relaxed and comfortable socially around the team and the fact that he (Jesus) has been with us for a few weeks makes a big difference.
on whether the result changes anything about the transfer strategy…
Any. Again, don’t get carried away. There were a lot of positives, there are a lot of things that we can do much, much better than we have done today as well and we have to keep improving as a team.
about his options in the team…
I focus on the players I have available here. We know that what we would like to do is get the best out of the players we have.
in the rear four…
At the moment, Tierney and Tomiyasu are not fit, we have other options, but I think it was good to try different things, build some relationships in the big matches, and I’m happy with the way they played.
in Zinchenko…
He was desperate to play and I knew it. It was a maximum of 45 minutes, but you could see immediately that he was comfortable. He understands everything I want, he understands the process and I thought he had a very good game.
about William Saliba…
I am very happy to see how he is playing, how he has adapted to the team, the maturity he has shown at 21 years old, to continue doing so. We will continue to develop him, he has great potential, he is already a top player and we have to do even better.
if he is ready…
He seemed ready for me today.
about the physical condition of Fabio Vieira and Takehiro Tomiyasu…
Yes, Tomi, we are very close to starting to do some training sessions. Hopefully next week and Fabio probably a bit more. I think he needs another week or so before he starts with the team, but he’s been working hard and he’s been very unlucky starting his Arsenal career this way, but he’s fitting in well again.
about whether Gabriel Jesus is okay…
Yeah, he got hit on the quad in the first half, I think it was and it wasn’t very comfortable to continue and of course we didn’t take any chances today.
on tour…
We had fun. Many thanks to everyone who participated in the organization of this tour. We have tried to make it as pleasant and productive as possible and in the sporting aspect the facilities were very good in the two games we played they were also very good, very competitive games, great cup, great attendance, so I am looking forward to getting there. come back one day
in the depth of our squad…
We are where we are. Obviously right now we have injuries, you can see we’re still a little bit short at some positions for the way we want to play, but it’s something we’re trying to address. For sure we have increased the quality of the team and the level of the squad is obviously something we want to continue raising.
on whether Gabriel Jesus can compete for the Golden Boot…
I have no idea, we are in preseason. What I can guarantee you is that he will do everything he can to be the best player he can be, that’s all.
in the signing of American players…
We already have one that we just signed, so that’s a good start. Let’s see how it fits, but it’s a huge market, there are a lot of opportunities there and hopefully we can bring a few more to make you happy.
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