Mikel Arteta has revealed he has been giving his Arsenal players homework to do ahead of the eventual season run-in.
Arsenal’s training ground remains shut amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with no date currently set for them to return.
Arteta has felt the full effects of coronavirus himself after being one of the first football figures to be struck down with the illness in England.
Now recovered, the Gunners boss only has his sights set on bidding for success with his team, and outlined his plan for the coming weeks.
“There are different aspects that we have to try to maintain,” he told Football London. “One is health and that’s the most important one for sure.
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“We’re just trying to cover all the necessities that players, staff and employees need to try to sustain the club with healthy people. That’s the first one and that’s our responsibility.
“The second one is the physical aspect. They all have programmes and they all have individual work to do that they are really doing and really trying to maintain themselves so they can prepare themselves for when we have to get back playing.
“The third one is the mind. There is the psychological support that they need, which we are giving them, and as well I’m giving them a lot of homework to do because I’ve been reviewing everything that we’ve been doing since I joined.”
The Spaniard has been working diligently even in isolation, keeping regular contact with his staff, and preparing for his side’s upcoming matches upon their eventual return.
Arsenal have no doubt made progress under Arteta since his appointment in December, and are still hopeful of a top four place this season.
Despite a disappointing elimination from the Europa League, Arsenal still have a chance of silverware in the FA Cup, but they must navigate a tough quarter-final draw with Sheffield United.
Arteta added: “There are things we have to maintain doing, improve and develop, and individually they are really enjoying the challenge.
“We might get a few coaches after this virus, or at least a few players that are willing to go down that path because I think they are really enjoying the process.”
