With three games in the USA now in the bag, Martin Odegaard believes he and his teammates are on the right track to hit their peak performance levels with the Premier League campaign just over two weeks away.
Our skipper got a full 90 minutes in the tank in our 2-1 loss against Liverpool in Philadelphia that rounded off the tour, and while he was frustrated to taste defeat for the first time this campaign, he is looking at the bigger picture.
With two more games to come against Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon at Emirates Stadium, Martin thinks the chance to play against more top opposition will mean we’ll be perfectly placed when Wolves come to north London on August 17.
Reflecting on the game, Martin said: “We always want to win when we play. It’s pre-season so it’s not the end of the world but it’s disappointing when you lose. I think in the second half we looked a lot better, and we improved a lot.
“I think it’s been a really great week-and-a-half. We’re getting fitter and fitter, getting that sharpness back. I think we’re getting ready, it’s not the moment to be at our top [level] but I think we’re going to time it well and be ready when it kicks off.
“I feel good – I had a good summer with some good rest and also had the time to work for myself. I just think me and the whole team need to get that sharpness back from playing games and I’m sure that will come with a few more games, so I’m happy.
As leader of the dressing room, Martin has played a key role over the past 11 days in bringing together his squad, mixing the academy players with the first-teamers and creating a great team spirit whilst they’re all under the same roof.
He feels that this tour has done just that, and was thrilled that he got to meet so many Stateside Gooners excited to see us in person and we rewarded with some positive football in both Philadelphia and previously in Los Angeles.
“I think it’s a good moment,” he analysed. “Of course, you need to prepare physically but also to come together as a team. We’ve spent a lot of time together, so I think it’s also been good for the togetherness and to get to know each other even more, and to come even more together as a group.
“It’s always brilliant when you come here and see all the supporters we have here. It’s massive! I’m really happy to see that and it’s fun to play here as well, so it’s just a shame that we couldn’t get the win today.
“I think it will be good to go back home now and I can’t wait to be at the Emirates again and see all the supporters back home. I’m excited to go back home.”
