Per Mertesacker believes that a good pre-season is vital for the challenges that lay ahead, as it ensures less injuries and a smoother transition in to competitive football.
Speaking to Arsenal Player, the 30-year-old German said: “I think that is very beneficial for myself, for my fitness, to get a few tests and a few games under my belt before the season starts. I feel much better than last season but first of all we need to prepare properly.
“We are just at the start of pre-season so let’s get some good tests and good training sessions as well.”
Arsenal fought an injury bout last season owing to the tribulations of the World Cup and a hugely truncated pre-season, which affected their hand in the title race.
“I think we had 10 days before we played our first game, away at Everton,” Mertesacker recalled. “The season had already started with the play-off games against Besiktas.”
However, Mertesacker believes this time – on the backdrop of a couple of new arrivals in the backroom fitness staff – they can benefit from a largely well-rested squad.
“This year it’s totally different. I had a five-week break so it takes a bit [of time], especially under those conditions, to get yourself going and into a certain rhythm,” he said.
“I think it’s good for me to get a couple of weeks where we can test ourselves in training and have a very good test here.”
