Mikel Arteta officially started his job as head coach of Arsenal with his first training session on Sunday. He will be in charge when we take on Bournemouth on Boxing Day and ahead of the match, the Spaniard has held his debut pre-match press conference where he talked on some topics.
Observation from the Everton Match
The Gunners were out against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday in an encounter that ended in a stalemate. Despite the loss of two points, Arteta still felt impressed with what he watched from the Directors' Box.
The former assistant to Pep Guardiola felt that a major advancement was made since the players did the two things they were instructed to do prior to the game.
They were spot on in terms of aggression off the ball as well as commitment when compared to their attitudes in previous ties.
Priority & Injuries
Getting the team to adapt to his principles and style is what the new Arsenal manager takes as his most important task. He wants them developed psychologically in order to build in them a positive mentality. Once that is achieved, other things can follow without much hassle.
Sunday's training was more of a familiarising session, especially with the players that were not involved in that 0-0 draw at Goodison Park.
Arteta stated that there are no new injury records.
Future of Freddie Ljungberg
After completing his role as interim head coach on Saturday, questions of whether Ljungberg will be a part of Arteta's backroom staff sprung up.
Asked about that on Monday, the former Arsenal captain said that they had a conversation during which he made his plans known to the Swede. In the end, it was agreed that Freddie will be a part of the new era as he well knows the club's players and heritage. Arteta is confident that his level of positivity will also be an advantage for progress.
Selection
One would expect that there are some players who should go straight into the new boss' starting eleven but 'Hell No'.
Arteta has made it clear to them that they are all blank in his sight. What this means is that they will not be considered based on what they have done before his appointment.
It is none of his business if you have impressed or disappointed in the past. You will have to earn his pick by convincing him that you are fit to play for the badge. Mustafi has got some hope. Ahaha!
Transfers
Just like he disclosed at his welcome press conference when queried about player recruitment on Friday, Arteta said that they have had a lot of discussions and will still have more - all for the good of Arsenal. He did not say anything more.
Match Preparation Fomat
Thw 37-year-old
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