Arteta Affirms Odegaard's Right to Lead and Praises Arsenal's New Signings

Mikel Arteta, the head coach of Arsenal, confirmed his full support for team captain Martin Odegaard, in response to former captain Tony Adams' statements calling for the captaincy to be given to Declan Rice instead of the Norwegian star.

Arteta said in press statements before the match against Manchester United in the opening of the Premier League: "My opinion is clear, and it’s not just my opinion, but also the opinion of the coaching staff and the players. I asked the players to vote on the captain, and the result came with a very large margin in favor of Martin Odegaard, this is the strongest evidence of his rightfulness."

He added: "What matters most is how the players feel about who leads them, and who gives them confidence and support both on and off the pitch."

Regarding his impression of the new striker Viktor Gyökeres, Arteta said: "We are very happy to have him with us, his adaptation has been quick, and he will have a huge impact on the team, the task now is to create the right environment for his success."

On the ambitions for the new season, the Spanish coach pointed out: "We are ready, we had a short but good preparation period, we know we came very close to the title before, and now we have to achieve it over a full season."

He continued: "If you keep digging, you will find gold, that’s what I’ve learned throughout my life."

Regarding the physical condition of the new players, Arteta clarified: "Gyökeres is improving day by day, and he participated in some minutes during the preparation, we are waiting for what he will show on Sunday, and Zubimendi has integrated well and will be ready for the match."

As for Trossard, Arteta confirmed: "He is in better shape now, and if he participates in tomorrow’s training, he will be ready for the match."