Mikel Merinonew Arsenal midfielder after his departure from Real Sociedad, spoke today at a press conference in view of the upcoming Nations League matches with Spain. The first match will be on October 12th against Denmark, after which the national team will be expected by Serbia on the 15th of the same month. The first comment, however, goes to two very serious absences for the Red Furies, namely Carvajal and Rodri.
“A nice change after the Euro. Two very important players for the national team. We will miss them in the future, but the door is open for other players who will do well. Within the profession we all have a similar opinion. I like playing football, but when you do it so often, your body can’t keep up with the pace that your head wants. We can’t attribute everything to this because of the two serious injuries so close together. We have to take care of ourselves and try to do the our best.”
His adaptation to Arsenal…
“I feel good and strong. I’m happy to be with my teammates. I couldn’t wait to be called up for the first time after the European Championship, but it wasn’t possible due to the bad luck of having fractured my shoulder blade. I’m very happy to start a new adventure and I want to continue doing so.”
The comparison between La Liga and the Premier League.
“I’ve been in the Premier League for a short time, I haven’t had time to see all the differences. It’s a very physical championship, with a lot of back and forth, whereas in Spain it’s more positional and tactical and the group is the priority compared to the single. The styles are different, but both offer a lot of entertainment.”
Playing in Rodri’s place?
“I haven’t talked about it with him in particular. If necessary I can play in that position without problems. I’m here for whatever the coach asks of me.”
The situation of Arsenal and Real Sociedad
“It was a project that caught my attention. The ambition of the coach, the players and the workers is evident as soon as you talk to them. They have very similar values, they want to improve and win. Real Madrid didn’t start in the best of ways. The pre-season has not been ideal, with important departures. The way they are working is impeccable. The commitment and hard work will not be lacking to turn the tide.”
His initial conversation with Arteta
“He is a coach who has a lot of passion for what he does. He not only likes tactics, but also managing groups. I am also very passionate about what I do and when you see it in the professionals, he transmits the same passion to you. He was able to change the situation of a club that was previously in a precarious situation.”
Plan for the future
“I’ve never planned the next few years. I’m more inclined to live in the present. It’s true that during my time at Newcastle I had a lot of fun in the league. I’m not closing the door on anything. I don’t know what will happen in my future, no one knows you know.”
On the calendar contested by many players and not only.
“It must be a package. Everyone must feel the benefit of the players 100%. There will be more entertainment, we will be fresher, more level in the matches, more goals… it’s something we all want, players and FIFA.”
An introduction to Denmark?
“If there’s one thing we know for sure about this national team, it’s that all the teams are of an incredible level. We just need to see how they manage the matches and the results they get. We have an intense week of work ahead of us. Luis and his team they are studying the matches very well.”
Emotional labor after serious injuries.
“Football doesn’t stop and this type of misfortune is a great shame, but there’s no use feeling sorry for yourself. Definitely work, live in the present and unite to continue being a “pineapple””.