Before every game at Emirates Stadium, Martin Odegaard lifts the lid on the mood in the camp via his captain’s notes published in the matchday programme.
In his first briefing of the season, he discussed his summer holidays, tour, and build-up to our opener against Wolves, and why he's not content with just being nominated for the PFA Players' Player of the Year again. Here's a snippet:
It’s been a good summer with rest and hard work, and now we’re all so excited to get going again in the Premier League today.
Now the real stuff starts. The feeling among the squad is really good, everyone is in the right mindset. We are ready to go. We want to keep improving this season and make sure we find those small margins that will allow us to take the next step. Everyone is so ready and excited to do that – we are hungry to go further. I feel like we are always learning, and I think, and I hope, that will be the case again this season, that we come back even stronger.
As with everyone all week, our focus has just been on facing Wolves. For the first game there is always that bit more excitement around, it’s great to be at home first and feel that energy straight away. We know about Wolves, a very strong team. They will be full of hope too for the new season, so it’s important we start well.
They have signed Jorgen Strand Larsen, who is somebody I know well from the national team. I spoke with him last week about coming over to England. It’s a good opportunity for him to play in the Premier League. He’s a good guy and I wish him luck, but starting from matchday two!
Personally, I’m proud to have been nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award, but I’ve set myself a lot of targets to improve this season. There is always room to improve my game, and I know there a lot of things I can do better with and without the ball. That’s the mindset we all have here, and Mikel is always pushing for more from us. I think in every aspect of my game I can do better, and I can dominate games more with the ball and win possession more when I’m without it. So there is a lot I need to work on this season.
Ever since the final whistle went against Everton back in May we’ve been looking forward to getting back out at the Emirates. For us who didn’t go to the Euros it has been a long summer, and you always miss it. We’ve had a rest and worked hard, so now it’s time to go again. I can’t wait to start fighting again for the big dreams we have. Enjoy the game, and welcome back!
Read the rest of Martin's notes, as well as a host of other fantastic content, by buying the Arsenal v Wolves programme either around the stadium or online - or get a subscription to receive every edition through your door
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