Martin Ødegaard expressed confidence that Arsenal will be in contention for a trophy in the upcoming season, aiming to bounce back stronger following the disappointment of narrowly missing out on the Premier League title last season. Despite setting new club records with 28 league wins and 91 goals, Arsenal fell short as Manchester City clinched the title by a slim two-point margin.
The team has already begun preparations for the 2024-25 season, with a group of players, including Ødegaard, Ben White, and Jurriën Timber, participating in a conditioning camp in Marbella. Reflecting on the previous season, Ødegaard acknowledged the team's disappointment at coming so close but falling short due to small margins and lack of consistency.
Ødegaard emphasized the team's determination to improve and highlighted the collective motivation within the squad to strive for success. He stressed the importance of focusing on continuous improvement in order to achieve their goal of winning a trophy, expressing confidence that their efforts will eventually be rewarded.
Arsenal is scheduled to travel to the United States for pre-season matches against Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool, with the latter two games set to be broadcast on ESPN+. Ødegaard admitted that it was initially challenging to move on from the previous season's disappointment but emphasized the importance of taking time to disconnect and recharge before refocusing on the upcoming campaign.
Despite the lingering thoughts of the past season, Ødegaard has already resumed training and is determined to push himself and his teammates to reach new heights in the pursuit of silverware. The team's upcoming tour and fixtures provide an opportunity for Arsenal to continue their preparations and build momentum ahead of the new season.