Arteta tells fringe Arsenal stars to 'train more' instead of making excuses
Mikel Arteta has delivered a blunt response to any Arsenal player struggling for rhythm when given minutes this season, telling them the answer is simple: train harder.
The Gunners boss was asked on Friday whether a lack of regular game time could explain some underwhelming performances from squad players handed opportunities outside the Premier League, namely in midweek's Champions League clash with Lille, where Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres both started but were substituted midway through the second half having failed to make an impact.
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Arteta's response left little room for sympathy. 'They need to train more then,' he said. 'What I don't want is an excuse. No but when I play I lack rhythm. Yeah? So what do we do then? We send you on holidays?'
A deep squad, a settled XI
Arsenal have built one of the deepest squads in European football over the past two transfer windows, with Ezri Konsa, Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis all arriving over the summer to bolster Arteta's options. Despite that investment, the Spaniard has a clear first choice XI when his squad is fully fit, with seven players having started all six Premier League matches so far this season.
That settled approach in the league contrasts with Arteta's willingness to rotate in the Carabao Cup and Champions League, competitions where fringe players are expected to prove their worth. The Lille performance, however, did little to suggest those given a chance are seizing it.
Arteta demands availability, not excuses
The Arsenal boss was clear that every member of his squad has a responsibility regardless of how much football they are getting. 'So you play, you have to be available. When you don't play, you have to make sure that you do everything you can to impact the team,' Arteta said. 'Because otherwise the other ones that are playing, I don't perform because I'm tired. So then it's always an excuse. I hate excuses.'
He went on to insist that rhythm has not been an issue for anyone involved this season. 'I don't see any player that is playing that lacks rhythm or lacks this. Everybody is involved. Everybody has played minutes and it will continue to be like this because they have really deserved that.'
With a demanding campaign across four competitions still in its early stages, squad depth will inevitably be tested further as fixtures pile up. Arteta's message, as reported by Metro, suggests he expects every squad member to be ready to perform whenever called upon, with no allowances made for inconsistent game time as the season progresses.
