Back in early 2024, Mikel Arteta took his Arsenal squad to Dubai.
Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal players have enjoyed a number of trips together.
On top of pre-season tours, the Gunners have made something of a habit of group getaways.
Earlier this summer, Arteta hosted a training camp in Marbella. A number of Arsenal players who weren’t on international duty joined the Spanish coach and his staff in the coastal city for an informal, early pre-season trip.
Martin Odegaard has discussed the Marbella trip, highlighting how it allowed him to gain a headstart on his preparations for the new campaign.
Before that, in early 2024, with the North London club struggling for form in the Premier League, Arteta took his Arsenal players to Dubai for a mid-season break.
Martin Odegaard and Oleksandr Zinchenko reflect on Arsenal trip to Dubai
That brief spell in Dubai seemed to reenergise Arteta’s squad, who hit scintillating form upon their return.
Speaking to former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott, in an interview shared on the club’s official website, Odegaard and Oleksandr Zinchenko have now reflected upon the impact of that trip.
The Norwegian playmaker stated: “We just got away and I think we got even more connected as a team. We had some time off as well, you know, so, see people in a different environment and just do stuff you don’t normally do. Just being together as a team and in a different way, it was nice.”
Zinchenko added: “It was amazing. We united together. I felt like we are like a proper, proper family, you know?
The Ukrainian left-back then revealed that there is a constant reminder of their voyage to Dubai now installed at the club’s training ground: “We also took a picture all together and we have it in our dressing room, you know, in the training ground.”
Mikel Arteta’s vision for Arsenal
Since his appointment at the Emirates Stadium in December 2019, Arteta has worked to develop a sense of unity and connection at Arsenal, but between the players in his squad and the club and its fans.
Reiss Nelson has credited Arteta with transforming Arsenal in this regard, and his approach to taking his squad on overseas trips has contributed to this progress.
It will be hoped that the benefit of these ventures will continue to be seen on the pitch, as the connections and relationships fostered between the players can serve as something that helps to guide and push them through difficult periods.
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