Arteta: Arsenal are still far from their potential, but the players are yearning for redemption
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has struck a demanding tone for the upcoming Premier League season, stressing that his team are “still a long way” from reaching their full potential despite a strong performance last year.
Arsenal’s English midfielder No. 41 Declan Rice (R) and Arsenal’s Spanish coach Mikel Arteta (L) react on the pitch after the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 19, 2024. Arsenal won the match 2-1 but lost to Manchester City in the title race. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
The Gunners came agonisingly close to winning the title last season, leading the table for long stretches before ultimately succumbing to Manchester City’s relentless 115-striker machine.
Ahead of Arsenal’s opening game against Wolves, Arteta said: “I don’t think we’re anywhere near that full potential. We’re a long way from it.”
However, the Spaniard also revealed his team’s burning desire to avenge last season’s disappointment. Arteta revealed that his players made him a promise at a team dinner after the final matchday: they would win the league for him next season.
That hunger for redemption was evident in the team’s pre-season, with Arteta describing his players as “very hungry” and “determined” to go one step further this time around.
Although Arteta recognises the high expectations placed on his team, he remains focused on the process of continuous improvement and believes there is still significant room for growth and development within the team.
“For me and the coaching staff, the main focus is to improve our players and focus on those little details in everything we do to give them the best opportunity to reach the level they probably didn’t even dream of,” he said. “That’s what we have to do and then we have to add something if we don’t have it in our team or in our academy. Then of course we have to recruit new players.”
The manager’s comments will no doubt resonate with Arsenal fans, who have had a long wait for a Premier League title. The team’s performance last season raised hopes of a return to the glory days and Arteta’s words suggest the players are just as determined to perform.
Arsenal will be under pressure to maintain the high standards of last season in the new season, but with a hungry squad and a manager who believes in the team’s potential, the Gunners will hope to once again challenge seriously for the Premier League crown.
