Day one of our US Tour is in the books, and after 10 hours of flying time, battling jetlag and working in the searing heat, you’d be forgiven for thinking a little rest and relaxation by the pool would be a just reward for our squad.
But that’s not the way life goes for our players - and watching training today it seems like they wouldn’t want it any other way.
Chatting to journalists after his squad were put through their paces in Los Angeles, Mikel Arteta was full of praise. “It’s not a surprise because they’re a joy of a team to work with,” he said, but for those mere mortals watching on the sidelines, it was a sight to behold.
Covered by shade as the mercury surpassed 30 Celsius before 11am, it was exhausting just watching the players undergo their drills on the training pitches, pushing themselves to the max having warmed up for a session in the sunshine in the gym. Then, when the final whistle was blown after sharpening up their ball skills, they trooped back inside for some weight training - just for good measure.
The ice baths afterwards would have been sweet relief - even if they looked just as appealing to those unaccustomed to them as being caught in the middle of one of their rondos. It wasn't the morning to be chasing shadows.
Chatting to a few of the players afterwards, they just chuckled at the conditions, well aware of the benefits it’ll bring when the heat is replaced by chilly winter evenings as they jump from domestic to European action every three days amidst a packed schedule.
The mood in the camp is strong, and that was evident when after returning from their temporary training home, they embarked on some media activities for the club, as well as our partners.
The grimaces from training were replaced by creases of laughter as they enjoyed playing games and participating in challenges alongside their teammates back at the hotel. Even the academy players got involved in the requirements, as they got to grips with life on tour - the past 24 hours must have been a real eye-opener.
Whether it’s a young pro, an experienced old head or someone inbetween, there is a sense of togetherness, born out of the hard graft everyone is putting in and driving everyone forward in pursuit of the ultimate prizes
And should we indeed seize silverware in May, then the seeds will have been sown out here in Los Angeles. Time by the pool will have to be put to one side if we’re to make a splash this season.
Tour teaser
We’ll be testing your Arsenal trivia knowledge during our time in the USA, with the answer revealed in the next blog.
First up, we have played at Dignity Health Sports Park - home of LA Galaxy - twice before, and will do so again on Wednesday against Bournemouth. Four Gunners have got on the scoresheet in those games, and they’re all English - can you name them?
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