Odegaard gives first impressions on Arsenal's new signings including Rice
Martin Odegaard insists the “anger and disappointment” of last season will turn Arsenal into champions.
Arsenal led the Premier League title race for 248 days last season but still ended up falling at the final hurdle as Manchester City beat them to the finish line.
Gunners captain Odegaard admits there has already been a lot of soul searching and also says the new signings will help them reach the next level.
Arsenal have spent £210m on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber to help close the gap on Treble-winning City and Odegaard says there is a huge determination in the group to go one better.
Odegaard, who will face the MLS All Stars in Washington in the first game of the US tour, said: “What we have to do is learn from last year, to use the disappointment, the anger and all the bad feelings.
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“It still hurts and it’s still painful for us. It’s important to use it in a good way to come back even stronger and to show we have learned and improved.
“We were very close and had the big dream and goal to win something. To be so close to doing it with this team is always going to hurt but you have to deal with it in a good way and move on and that’s what we’re going to do as a team. That is the only way.
“That is always going to hurt but we have to use it in a good way to come back stronger and be even more motivated and even hungrier.
“That’s what we did last year after we missed the champions league the year before. We came back stronger and that’s what we’re going to try to do.”
Declan Rice has joined his new Arsenal team-mates in the States (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Odegaard also believes the new signings can be hugely important - and not just as good players. The Norway midfielder says they are all good characters and that is hugely important in terms of dressing room harmony and will help them cope with growing expectations.
He added: “Great characters coming in so far, some good additions on the pitch but also off the pitch. They bring good quality and good energy so we have to make sure they adapt as quick as possible and help them to settle in. So it’s nice to have them.
“I think it’s been important for the club and the coaches to bring in some good characters off the pitch. It’s important for the team. We need people to give energy. I feel like all of them are great guys.
“Now with the new signings and what we did last year I think the expectations are gonna go up. That’s part of the game and we have to deal with it. All we can do is focus on our jobs and continue to work hard every day and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Martin Odegaard says Arsenal are desperate to bounce back from their title heartache (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)He also believes Rice can bring a new dimension to the midfield as he has been a long term admirer of the England star.
Odegaard said: “Definitely. Every time I played against him I saw the quality. He’s a leader as well so it’s great for me to work together and hopefully we can help each other a lot.
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“Every time I played him it was a tough one. We had some tough battles so I’m happy to have him on the team and hopefully we can find a good connection very quickly.”
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