Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says there is strong belief within his squad that the club can finally end its long wait for a major trophy, following years of near misses under his leadership.
Arteta, who won the FA Cup in his debut season (2019/20), has since led Arsenal to three consecutive second-place Premier League finishes and last season’s UEFA Champions League semi-finals — their first in over a decade.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Villarreal, the Spanish coach said his side is determined to go one step further this year after a summer of heavy investment.
“We know what our targets are and what we want to achieve this season — there is a big belief in our ability to achieve that,” Arteta said in his programme notes. “We have been very, very close the last few seasons and the whole team is going to determine whether we achieve that or not.”
Arsenal have spent nearly £200 million ($266 million) this summer on striker Viktor Gyokeres, midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, defender Cristhian Mosquera, winger Noni Madueke, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Arteta emphasised the importance of internal standards: “We have to make sure that we don’t lose sight of what we have to do on a daily basis to get to the levels that we want… The internal demands have to always exceed any external demand.”
He also urged fans to help create a fortress-like atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium. “We want our people to start connecting with our players straight away… to feel that at home we are invincible,” he added.
Arsenal kick off their Premier League campaign with a high-profile clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 17.
