For the first time since the June 2026 title parade, Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, spoke to the media and promised a better season.
Arsenal ended a 22-year title drought by winning the Premier League after finishing seven points ahead of Manchester City.
But attention has quickly turned to the next season, creating a great deal of interest in its progress. While Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur and Michael Carrick at Manchester United are still relatively new in their roles, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool have all hired new coaches.
After the victory and Pep Guardiola’s exit from Manchester City, Mikel Arteta is the only manager in the league with a Premier League winners’ medal.
He is also the coach with the longest tenure, and Arsenal is seen as the most reliable squad and the front-runner for another title.
Arteta discussed his final public appearance with the team during the title parade in an interview with the Arsenal App. He was clearly proud of his players’ and his own achievements and the impact they made on the fan base.
“It was probably the best football experience I’ve ever had,” he remarked. It is the best prize I’ve ever received and the most memorable experience I’ve had.
“This accomplishment tells a tale and shows the development of a club that struggled with the relationship between the club, its supporters, its mission, its identity, and our true objectives.
But as mentioned earlier, focus is now on the next season. Where does Arsenal try to recreate the similar feeling after winning the championship? There are concerns about whether this accomplishment is the result of their hard work or the start of something bigger.
It is evident from Arteta’s remarks whose viewpoint he favours. “This has to be the start, and this has to be our standard,” he said.
“Our standard should be excellence, and it must inspire us to strive for the future. Since we have proven our ability, our everyday behaviour must reflect growing resolve and drive.
“Now, we must demonstrate that we belong at this level and strive to take this football team to new heights.”
“My goal is to ensure that we consistently meet the standards and requirements each day to improve the next,” he continued. We have to deal with this.
Furthermore, it is our joint duty to maintain that ambition, discipline, dedication, and good energy over the course of the 11 months. We will be in a very strong position come May if we can all do this.