The world’s greatest players are expected to perform at their peak while playing once every three days, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who justified his choice to play winger Bukayo Saka in the 1-0 Europa League victory over PSV Eindhoven on Thursday.
Arteta defends his choice to play Saka amid fears about fatigue
Saka, who has started 12 of the Premier League team’s 14 games across all competitions this season, was once again included on the squad sheet as Granit Xhaka’s goal in the second half guaranteed Arsenal a spot in the Europa League knockout rounds.
The England international, who will be attempting to stay in shape in front of the World Cup next month, seemed to be having difficulty before being replaced in the 85th minute.
He received a kick, and although he was hobbling somewhat, Arteta assured reporters that the player would be OK. “Observe the world’s best athletes. They compete in 70 games, one every three days, and are able to win by a margin of victory. Having the ability to accomplish it is necessary if you want to be at the top. And I believe we would be seriously mistaken if we started to introduce anything different into a young player’s mentality. The phrase “I want to play, I want to win the game” should be heard at my door when they knock.
No fitness expert in the world would claim that they cannot do it since I have witnessed it. Players who score 50 goals do not participate in 38 games during the season.
In Group A, Arsenal leads with 12 points after winning all four games, followed by PSV with 7 points and Bodo/Glimt with 4. FC Zurich continues to be pointless.
On Sunday, Arsenal will visit Southampton, who are currently in 14th position in the Premier League standings with 27 points.