Martin Odegaard has backed Arsenal to be sharp when the Premier League season gets underway later this month.
Arsenal continued their pre-season preparations with a friendly defeat to Liverpool in the United States this week, as goals from Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho condemned the Gunners to a 2-1 loss in Philadelphia.
Odegaard admits the defeat was disappointing but insisted pre-season is all about getting up to speed ahead of competitive action.
He believes Arsenal are getting ‘sharper and sharper’ throughout the summer, ahead of friendly fixtures with German champions Bayer Leverkusen and French side Lyon at the Emirates this month. Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign at home to Wolves on August 17.
“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,” Odegaard told the club’s official website after the loss to Liverpool.
“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.”
