Mikel Arteta says Arsenal will not need any additional motivation as they begin their Premier League title defence against Coventry on Saturday.
The Gunners start the new campaign at 22:00 Moscow time, with the opening match providing their first opportunity to build on last season’s championship success. Arteta believes the achievement itself should be enough to keep his players fully focused rather than create any concern about complacency or a lack of drive.
Arsenal finished last season as Premier League champions after collecting 85 points. They ended the campaign seven points clear of Manchester City, securing the title with a substantial advantage over their nearest challengers.
That success means the London club enter the new season with the responsibility of defending their crown. However, Arteta does not believe his squad needs a forceful reminder of what is expected from them.
The Arsenal manager’s view is that the players’ own standards and competitive ambition will provide the necessary impetus. Having won the Premier League last season, the team now begins a fresh campaign with Coventry as its first opponent.
The opening fixture will therefore mark the start of Arsenal’s attempt to retain the championship. It also gives Arteta’s side the chance to demonstrate that last season’s title win has not reduced their determination.
Arsenal’s 85-point total represented the basis of their successful campaign, while Manchester City finished seven points behind them. Those figures underline the scale of the achievement the club must now follow up as the new Premier League season gets under way.
Arteta’s message is that no “kick” is required to awaken his players. Instead, the champions are expected to approach the defence of their title with their motivation already in place.
The match against Coventry begins at 22:00 Moscow time and serves as the first competitive test of Arsenal’s new title campaign. Their objective is clear: to start the season strongly and begin the process of remaining at the top of English football.