Arsenal spent £32 million on Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino in the summer as they looked to strengthen their squad and challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title. Merino, at 28 years old, was a key figure for Spain as they won the Euros in Germany that summer. He also shares a close relationship with Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, having played together at Real Sociedad when the Norwegian was on loan from Real Madrid.
Merino has had an interesting start to life as an Arsenal player, with pressure mounting on the Gunners to replicate their form from last season. They have some injury concerns, but the Gunners, who have pushed Manchester City to the limit in the last two seasons, could still face a challenge from Liverpool, who, despite being considered a "third force," may end up being the ones to win the league title. So, ahead of the final international break of the year, Merino stopped by to do a little Q&A with Telecom Asia Sport about his first few months in North London, the Premier League, challenging for the title, and living with pressure.
On enjoying the Premier League and handling pressure
"I think you have to enjoy it — enjoy playing in the biggest league in the world and playing for one of the best clubs in the world. It will always come with pressure, but the trick is to try to enjoy it. Even in normal life, if you want to achieve big things and do well for yourself, you have to embrace pressure. That’s the price you pay for being able to say you’re successful. Playing among the best and competing for the biggest trophies, the mentality I’ve always had is to try to be the best in every training session and every day. That will reflect in the games."
On deciding to join Arsenal
"I have experience in the Premier League from my time at Newcastle, but when a club like Arsenal comes in for you, it’s proof that you’re doing well, so it was a straightforward decision for me. I’m happy to be here. The group is really talented, and we are working hard every day to make sure we stay competitive and give the fans the joy and trust they’ve placed in us."
On the difference between playing in the Spanish League and the Premier League
"I think there are many differences. Some people see the Premier League as more physical, with more speed, and less forgiving, given the quality of players every team has. In Spain, the technique is also very high, so both leagues are strong. For me, football is ultimately played with the brain — you always have to think before you play. So yes, there are differences, but ultimately it’s football. You have to do the basics and build from there."
On playing at Stamford Bridge
"Playing at Stamford Bridge is always tough, and we came here and did a good job. We didn't get the win, and sometimes that's not enough, but we did more than enough to take all the points, and I think that gives us satisfaction."
On the whole season so far
"I think, when you look at where the team is coming from and how we're playing, today is the kind of game where we have to be proud of the guys. We've had a difficult couple of weeks with some injuries, but the mentality and character these guys are showing is just unbelievable. Normally, Chelsea are dominant at home, but we created a lot of chances, and that’s a big sign that we're doing the right things. There’s hope. I’m a positive person, and I hope that, in the future, this team will grow."
On winning the title with Arsenal
"Personally, I don't think about winning the Premier League title at the moment. I’m just thinking about the next thing, which is the next training session, the next step. Like I said, I’m a positive person, and I like to take things one step at a time. Don’t focus too much on the future before you’ve taken the small steps that will build the big ones. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by what the future holds. Just live in the present and try to keep your focus right — then everything will come."
On Liverpool having a storming start to the season
"We don’t have to focus on the negatives. We have to focus on the positives and look at ourselves. It’s easy to always be looking at what someone else is doing, but the real progress comes from demanding more from yourself, not worrying about what happens if we lose. That just adds extra pressure on yourself. We know we have to win every game, but we won’t be able to do that if we don’t concentrate on improving our own game and keep thinking about what Liverpool, City, or any other team is doing right now."
On Martin Ødegaard
"It’s always tough when you’re missing players like Martin Ødegaard. He’s the captain and one of the main players here. It’s obvious that when he’s with us, we’re a better team. I think he’ll need some time to get back to his best level, even though he’s one of the best players in the Premier League. But I think this team needs every single player, not just Martin. We need him back healthy because this is a squad, and we need everyone in it."
On his father being a footballer too
[Laughs] "Yeah, there was football everywhere because of him. He always had one thing on his mind: football. So, when you grow up in a home like that, you see the benefits, and you always want to be like that, if that makes sense. But there was no pressure — just guidance. I’m happy it came through that way for me."
