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MARTIN ODEGAARD admits he has struggled to switch off after Arsenal’s Premier League heartbreak left him feeling “flat” and “empty”.
But the Gunners skipper is confident the club can make it third time lucky thanks to a Mikel Arteta-inspired pre-season getaway to Marbella.
Martin Odegaard is confident Arsenal can finally get their hands on the league title next season[/caption]
Mikel Arteta has taken six first team stars not involved at Euro 2024 to a training camp in Marbella[/caption]
A similar trip worked wonders in January[/caption]
The North Londoners took Manchester City to the Prem final day last season only to come up agonisingly short in their search for a first league title since 2004.
Arteta’s men had a record-breaking term but still finished two points behind City in second, having blown an eight-point lead in the 2022/23 campaign.
Odegaard, 25, appeared emotional when addressing the fans on the Emirates pitch back in May after finding out their 2-1 win over Everton was not enough to leapfrog City.
The Norwegian explained: “It was a bit flat, bit empty. We had the big dream and we were so close.
“We had it on the last day and I really had the feeling something special would happen.
“You can see it there, the trophy was there, it was emotional.
“After that, it is hard to switch off. It takes some time. It’s important to disconnect from the football world, rest is always good, but you think about it more.
“It’s always there, always on your mind, in the back of your head. After a week or two, I started to work again.”
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With the Euros in full swing at the end of last month, Arteta took six first team stars not involved on a 10-day warm-weather training camp, including Ben White, Emile Smith Rowe and Jurrien Timber, with Odegaard and others joining the group shortly after.
A similar retreat to Dubai back in January worked wonders for the team, going on to win 16 of their remaining 18 Prem games.
Boss Arteta is hopeful an early return to action will ensure they begin their US tour later this month with a bang, knowing that small margins are key to topple City’s Prem reign.
Last season, Arsenal’s 28 league wins was their best in the Prem era, picking up 89 points – one less than the Invincibles managed 20 years ago – alongside the best defence in the division, conceding just 29 goals with 18 clean sheets.
Speaking from Marbella, Odegaard added: “It is important to think about all the good things.
“The history we made, all the moments. It wasn’t enough to win it.
Arsenal's five key moments this season
A look at five of the key moments in Arsenal's title challenge…
- Arsenal 1 – 0 Man City: Arsenal beat Manchester City at the Emirates in dramatic fashion early in the season to give them belief that they could compete for the title once again.
- Arsenal 5 – 0 Crystal Palace: The Gunners bounce back from a run of five games with only one victory by smashing the Eagles. The win kick-starts a spell of seven consecutive wins in which they scored 33 goals and conceded just four.
- Arsenal 3 – 1 Liverpool: A huge victory against a then title challenger in Liverpool pushed Arsenal within touching distance of the top of the table.
- Man City 0 – 0 Arsenal: A goalless draw meant things stayed the same in the title race and Arsenal were able to keep pace with their competitors.
- Spurs 2 – 3 Arsenal: Arsenal blew away their fiercest rival in the first half before digging in to prevent a second half comeback – the Gunners were a matter of games away from winning the league as a result.
“But in football, those small margins can help us win the title. We have to earn it. We know we can improve. We know we are going to get better.
“You learn something every day, especially when you are so close, you can feel it, you can taste it and you have it there on the last day.
“It gives us all the motivation we need to come back even stronger this year and to win it, that’s the big goal.
“We want to win something and that just shows the mentality we have now. We are not satisfied if we don’t win.
“There are a lot of young players in the team and I feel like I am one of the older guys. I like that.
“Getting older you feel more responsible and you feel like you are hitting your peak.
“Hopefully there is a lot more to come. With age you want to just push to reach your maximum level, wherever that is.”
Arsenal sporting director Edu also joined up with the group in Marbella as he prepares to add new faces to Arteta’s squad, with a winger, midfielder, versatile defender and back-up goalkeeper on their wish list.
On potential incomings, Odegaard said: “I am really happy with the squad we have. We have unbelievable quality, so I am not too worried about that.”
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SunSport's verdict on Arsenal stars
Mikel Arteta is looking to get Arsenal ready to beat Man City to the title after another near miss, but he may need to be brutal with his squad in order to do so. Here's SunSport's verdict on who should stay and who should go.
David Raya – STAY: Initial doubts arose when he replaced Aaron Ramsdale, but he has since proven himself to be a world-class keeper with all the attributes needed for Arteta’s way of playing.
Aaron Ramsdale – GO: Unfortunate to be cast aside for Raya, but is now looking for a move to become a regular No.1 elsewhere, especially with his aspirations of one day starting in goal for England.
Karl Hein – STAY: Unlikely to take Ramsdale’s spot as No.2 should the Englishman depart – but the club cannot afford to lose two keepers in one window.
William Saliba – STAY: Saliba is of the best young defenders in the world right now, Arteta should be building his team around him. A vital part of the side’s spine that conceded just 29 Prem goals this term.
Ben White – STAY: Another solid member of Arteta’s impressive back four. Has the flexibility to play on the right or as a central defender, but has made right-back his own this term.
Gabriel – STAY: Was on the outskirts at the start of the campaign but forced his way back in and has forged an almighty partnership with Saliba in the middle of the defence. One of Arteta’s most important signings.
Jurrien Timber – STAY: Yet to see the best of the Dutchman after an injury-hit season, but Arteta views him as a game-changing full-back.
Jakub Kiwior – STAY: The Polish international has struggled to break up the duo of Saliba and Gabriel but has impressed when called upon, especially in a stint at left-back.
Cedric – GO: Leaving the club with his contract expiring. Never really convinced Arteta he could be relied upon and spent most of the season warming the bench.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – STAY: Another flexible and reliable figure that Arteta adores. Can play centre-back or right-back and is a real presence at set-pieces.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – GO: With Timber in line to be Arteta’s first choice at left-back, it is hard to see the Ukrainian starting many games for Arsenal next season. A good signing at £35m but has shown himself to be limited defensively.
Thomas Partey – GO: Injury prone and has looked leggy when finally back from his thigh issues that kept him out from October until March. Contract is up next summer.
Martin Odegaard – STAY: Captain fantastic. A real leader amongst men at such a young age. The 25-year-old is on course to lift the Prem at Arsenal sooner rather than later.
Emile Smith Rowe – STAY: Sidelined for most of the term and struggled to make an impact when called upon, but Arteta still sees something in him. A decent squad option but you get the feeling he is running out of time to prove to the club he is a player worth sticking with.
Jorginho – STAY: Arteta’s experienced general who, more often than not, has Arsenal playing better with him in the team.
Fabio Vieira – GO: Perhaps harsh to judge him based on just 16 appearances in all competitions this season but still looks out of place in English football. A loan move could help.
Mohamed Elneny – GO: Another player departing with his contract expiring. The right call by both parties. A good servant from the Arsene Wenger days.
Kai Havertz – STAY: Seems a bargain now at £65m from Chelsea following his barnstorming end to the season. Arteta bought him as a midfielder, yet now leads the line as a first-choice No.9.
Declan Rice – STAY: Arsenal’s most important and influential signing in years. Enough said.
Bukayo Saka – STAY: An undroppable superstar for club and country right now. Will undoubtedly get even better in seasons to come.
Gabriel Jesus – STAY: Fighting for a starting spot but right now but would be foolish to let him go given how much he can impact games and his winning mentality inside the group.
Gabriel Martinelli – STAY: A dip in form this term but Arteta has huge faith in him. The added competition with Leandro Trossard will only make him better.
Eddie Nketiah – GO: Career is at a crossroads right now and he needs to leave to turn that around. His six-figure wages could put Premier League suitors off.
Leandro Trossard – STAY: Can bring his qualities as a starter or from the bench – a brilliant option to have when you are going for a title.
Reiss Nelson – GO: Arteta has often spoken of Nelson’s potential and likes having him around the squad, but his impact has withered over the past 12 months.
