Recently, Suvemendi accepted an interview with "AS". He looked forward to the upcoming Champions League match between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid and the transition from Real Sociedad's "comfort zone" to Arsenal.
Arsenal is regarded as one of the favorites to win the Champions League
"No one talks about obligations here, it's more about motivation than pressure."
This kind of weather makes you feel a bit like home, right?
A: Yes, it does (laughs).
How London and Arsenal received you
"It's good. Football-wise, I have nothing to complain about. Finally, I got playing time in a great team, a team with big goals. So in that respect I'm satisfied. Personal life is also quiet. Not as surrounded by family and friends as at home, but as a player, The lifestyle of racing, traveling, training and rest is pretty much the same, so it's all good."
Did you come to London alone?
"Yes, but in quotes (laughs). Everyone wants to come see me, so I'm very grateful to them for helping me adapt to the change."
At the beginning of the season, you said in an interview that you wanted to get out of your "comfort zone." How did it feel to leave home for the first time? Did you find what you were looking for?
"To be honest, it's better than I expected. I'm 26 now, more mature, and I feel like I can handle it all with a peaceful and natural attitude. It's also a personal testament that I can leave home and experience a new culture and life. I've found something, but I think it's still early."
It brings you into a "normal" life away from professional football, it's a bit like being a student and going to the Erasmus program
"Yeah (laughs), and growing in more areas. Ultimately, I can encounter different things. Different cultures, different teammates, and different styles of football. I think I'm adapting to that. Everything and learning new things. "
In a "Spanish Arsenal" full of Spanish players (Raya, Merino, Kepa and Mosquera), is it easier to adapt?
"Of course, not only the players, but also the staff. I try not to be with them all the time and I try to speak more English (laughs), but the language does help a lot and we are good friends now. "
How is your English?
"It's okay... (laughing), I'm in class, but to be honest, I don't dare to be interviewed in English yet (laughing). "
You chose Arsenal to leave Real Sociedad and the "comfort zone", but this is not the only choice. Real Madrid is also pursuing you, why choose Arsenal
"I don't know, it feels right. Once I decided to leave Real Sociedad, Arsenal is the team that I think is the best for me, especially in terms of playing style. I hope to have a coach who pays attention to details, and Arteta is exactly that. Arsenal is a young, passionate, united and hungry team to win, even if they don't succeed, it makes them want to win even more."
So was it easy to choose Arsenal? Real Madrid just signed Alonso as coach, he is your idol, does this make you hesitate
"I can't talk about other teams, Arsenal is my chosen team, I made this decision firmly.
Was there any hesitation at the last minute
"No, no. "
Some people think that you are the missing piece of the puzzle for Alonso's Real Madrid and the missing piece of the puzzle for Arteta's Arsenal. Do you feel that you have integrated into this team from the beginning?
"Well... I don't know, I don't know. We are talking about very big clubs and it would be an exaggeration to say that I am missing a piece of the puzzle at Real Madrid because all their players are very good and the same is true for Arsenal and the player in my position is one of the best in my opinion. Mainly the club decided a change was needed and I'm trying to improve the team. "
Arteta praised your ability to adapt quickly in the Premier League at the press conference. It seems that you were born for this team.
"Yes, I think one of the reasons why I chose Arsenal is this adaptability. I thought carefully about which team would suit me best and stylistically Arsenal was the best fit. I also want to thank them for giving me the space, trust and screen time that made me feel comfortable. "
Do you see yourself improving under Arteta's guidance, or do you have something new that was never asked for at Real Sociedad
"Yes, our midfield is very flexible. We can play with one midfielder or two midfielders and I can start pushing forward and Arteta has been a big influence on me in that regard, he wants me to deliver the last pass and make plays around the opposition penalty area to be a key player. "
You have scored two goals, the same as you did at Real Sociedad last season, and you also won the Premier League's "Goal of the Month" award a few days ago. Rodri is a player who is familiar with the Premier League and has made great progress here. Do you regard him as a role model and hope to reach his level?
"Everyone has their own path, but obviously Rodri is an excellent midfielder. Currently, he is the benchmark for everyone. Everyone has to go their own way, but obviously reaching his level seems unattainable, but we have to aim for it. "
Before facing Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, you led the Premier League with only one loss in 11 games, remained unbeaten in Europe and only conceded three goals. How do you feel about this positive start to the season?
"Yes, it feels very good. We are a very compact, well-coached team and as you can see we rarely concede goals. The season ahead is long, but our performance at the beginning of the season gives us a lot of confidence. "
Is there pressure to win the Premier League or the Champions League this season?
"Actually, I don't feel that pressure, no one here talks about obligations or what has to be won. This will be the reward for all our hard work throughout the season, not so much the pressure but the expectation. They know what it’s like to fail to achieve a goal, and it’s not so much pressure as motivation. "