Mikel Arteta has called on the Premier League to expand the size of matchday squads, emphasizing that the current limitations place an unnecessary burden on players’ wellbeing and hinder effective squad management.
Currently, clubs are allowed to name 20 players for a matchday, with nine available substitutes and five that can be used during the game. Arteta advocates for an increase to 23 players, aligning with Champions League rules, asserting that this change would better accommodate the physical and mental demands of contemporary football.
In comments to the media prior to Arsenal’s match against Leeds United, the Arsenal manager revealed how the regulations often force him into difficult choices, such as omitting summer signing Christian Norgaard from the squad entirely. “Nobody wants to be told they can’t even travel with the team,” Arteta shared. “The worst feeling is leaving someone out.”
He framed this concern as primarily an issue of player welfare, discussing the negative psychological effects of consistently excluding individuals who train well but miss out on matchday opportunities. He asserted that such decisions can adversely impact their confidence and perceived worth within the team.
With Arsenal competing in four competitions and already having played 36 matches this season, Arteta views larger squads as essential rather than optional given the demanding schedule. “The pressures of the game are increasing,” he remarked. “It doesn’t make sense to impose restrictions in this context.”
Arteta further argued that larger squads would enable managers to better manage player minutes, support their emotional well-being, and make more strategic tactical choices.
Arsenal’s next challenge will be an away match against Leeds United in the Premier League.
GFN | Finn Entwistle