Arteta running hot for kick-off

Aug 1 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

Mikel Arteta (158)

MIKEL ARTETA believes Everton have returned from America both physically and mentally ready for the new season.

Arteta was one of the players who visibly struggled to catch his breath while playing at altitude in Salt Lake City at the start of the tour.

But once the lethargy and jetlag that affected the first leg of the tour had worn off, the players recovered to blaze their way through a week of intensive training in Los Angeles.

"We enjoyed it," said Arteta. "When we are all together we always have a nice time.

"The training was hard - it was very hot and at altitude as well, so hopefully now we will feel the benefits.

"And mentally we are ready for the season to start."

Arteta now feels the remainder of the preseason friendly programme - which started last night with a 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen and continues on Saturday at Crystal Palace - will help Everton put the final touches to their preparations.

"It is great to have games like this in pre-season you can see how the fitness is looking as well as how tactically the team is working," Arteta added. "These game are good for us to show where we are at."