Arsenal’s new signing Mikel Merino has revealed the shock he experienced upon joining the club, noting the unique and challenging training methods employed at London Colney.
Merino, who made his debut in a substitute appearance against PSG after recovering from a training injury, described the Arsenal training regime as unlike anything he had encountered before. Speaking to CBS Sports, he said, “They do some things that I have never seen in my career. The methods they use are completely new to me, so obviously, it takes some time to adapt.”
The Spanish midfielder emphasized the mental and physical challenges the players face daily. “When you get it, you’re on a different level because they challenge you every single day—not only physically, but mentally. It keeps you sharp mentally, which is something you notice in the game.”
Merino highlighted the intense focus on detail in Arsenal’s training. “I won’t reveal everything, but there is no rest between moments. They are always challenging you mentally with different stimuli, so you are constantly aware of what’s happening around you.”
He was drawn to Arsenal’s winning mentality and commitment to player development. “The mentality here is amazing—not just on the pitch, but in the way they approach the smallest details at the training ground,” Merino explained. “When I spoke to Mikel [Arteta] and understood the plan for me and the team, I felt this was the right place to take the next step in my career. I want to grow, I want to learn more, and this is the right environment to keep improving and winning.”
Merino’s insights suggest Arsenal’s training approach is designed to push players to their limits and maximize their potential. As he adapts to his new surroundings, the London Colney regime will likely be a key factor in his development as a player.
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