Arteta Urges Premier League to Expand Matchday Squads

Arsenal’s Call for Change

Arsenal’s head coach, Mikel Arteta, has expressed a strong desire for the Premier League to allow larger matchday squads, proposing an increase from the current limit of 20 players to 23. He believes this change is essential for maintaining player well-being and addressing their mental health.

Currently, teams in the Premier League can select nine substitutes for each match, with managers given the option to utilize five of these players during the game. Additionally, one extra substitution can be made for a player suspected of having suffered a head injury.

The Importance of a Broader Selection

Arteta’s plea comes as he navigates the challenge of excluding new signing Christian Norgaard from his matchday squads. He hopes the Premier League will consider adopting a model similar to the Champions League, which permits squads of 23 players, including goalkeepers on the bench.

“The reality is that several players are left out of the squad as it stands,” Arteta remarked. “I cannot alter these rules. I sincerely request that the Premier League considers changing the limit from 18 to 20 outfield players for the next season.”

Advocating for Players’ Interests

Arteta made an emotional appeal, highlighting the negative impact of leaving players out of matchday selections. “It’s a tough reality when players are told they cannot participate,” he shared. “This decision affects them deeply, as they may feel inadequate not to have been chosen. We need to allow them to feel part of the team.”

The Demand of Modern Football

As Arsenal leads the Premier League, having competed in 36 matches this season across multiple tournaments, Arteta notes that the increasing demands on players necessitate larger squads. “Restricting the player pool seems illogical to me,” he added. “We need to offer all players a fair chance to be involved in the game and make the best possible decisions regarding team strategy.”

“Enlarging the squad could help us manage the players better, both physically and emotionally, as we strive for optimal performance on the field,” Arteta concluded.