Mikel Arteta

We haven't played for a while and to try to make it as close as possible to a real game.

The biggest one is being to try to be connected with everybody and not just talking about the players, but all the staff as well.

With the players, most important, mental health, I think that's vital.

They have their routines, they are used to do training, they are used to be around people and it's a different situation.

I spent a lot of time trying to get to know them better and try to treat them individually, what they need, how could we help them and make sure that they feel that they're getting looked after.

And then slowly, you know, with individual training session, with the small groups and not having everybody together and be a better team than we were before, hopefully.

Absolutely, and they've been looking after themselves really, really well during that period.

Obviously, some live in apartments, some live in big houses, and we just try to fulfil those limitations.

But overall, it's been a...

A very good experience as well to get to know each other much better.

The thing that I like most that it came from them, I got a phone call from the captain asking permission to do that.

I spoke with the club straight away and we were very clear that we wanted to support their first intentions.

Everybody collaborated yesterday.

We created the shirts and I think it was a really strong message and it's more powerful because it comes from there because they deeply think that they have to support this type of courses.

It is going to be strange, I can't deny that.

Obviously, I know everybody there.

I spent four magnificent years with them.

with those players and that club.

But I'm really excited as well.

I can't wait to start competing, playing back again and do what we love most, which is to play football.