Arsenal’s pre-season training camp in hot and humid Orlando should come in useful when the Gunners take on Leicester tomorrow.
As things stand, it’s forecast to be 35 degrees Celsius at kick-off and at pitch level it may well be even hotter.
Even with drink breaks scheduled in each half, it’s going to be hard work for the players but manager Mikel Arteta insists they must adapt to the conditions.
“It’s the conditions and the context of the game,” he said on Friday.
“We’re going to have to adapt to it. We know we’re going to have the water break and get the players in the best possible condition to adapt to it. That’s it – [we need] to play the game we want to play.
He also explained that he wouldn’t be changing his game plan because of the conditions.
“We have to adapt,” he reiterated when quizzed on the subject.
“Players will need to be ready mentally to play in those conditions, because it’s not something that we do normally.
“We have five subs as well, which is very helpful. It’s a combination of factors.”
In the opening game of the season against Crystal Palace, Arteta didn’t turn to his subs bench until the final seven minutes. Given the conditions, reinforcements could well be needed much earlier this time around.
“I think it will be really important,” said Arteta when asked about again having the opportunity to use five substitutes in the league.
“It’s really helpful and it gives the squad and individual players many more chances and hope to participate in matches.
“It’s educating players as well that not playing 90 minutes is not an issue, especially when you have so many games in the season.”
Away from the weather, the other big talking point is whether Arsenal will add further new faces before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
For much of this week, the focus has been on outgoings and trying as best as possible to balance the existing squad.
“We had Bernd and Lucas Torreira [as well as Pablo Mari]. There were a few – we had Flo Balogun going on loan as well.
“We’ve moved the squad a lot and we’re still willing to finalise the squad the way we want it.
“We could add something great but there are a few players that we need to find the right game time for as well. At the moment, that’s going to be difficult.”
Scorchio!
Tough match coming up but I reckon we have a decent chance at home, and with the squad recovering from injuries.
COYR!
mikel is drawing an angry sun on the white board, its menacing the brain and heart as they try to work in tandem
Scorchio !
Boutros Boutros-Ghali!
Another three points, that’s all that counts.
Arsenal trained through the American heat an produced decent results in the American heat.
I’m sure Arteta has continued to train the players in this heat and they will be well acclimatised for the conductions come match.
Hot day tomorrow that both teams have to deal with, we’re at home so squad should be better prepared than a travelling opponent, interesting to see how Will snuffs out Vardy runs, lets not underestimate Leicester, even tho they threw a 2 goal lead away they still have the ability to score, however we have a few Brazilians on the pitch playing in a climate which should be a water off a ducks back, first 25 mins of crystal palace game for 70 mins at home please
Stay safe, protected and hydrated folks. That sun can be an absolute killer.
Looking forward to getting back to the Emirates today after a long hiatus – no more streaming!
I took out the club’s offer of postponing last year’s season ticket to this year.
One might say perfect timing, as I think this season is going to be special in this side’s development.
COYG! 😊👍⚽️