"He talks too much" – Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard picks worst teammate to be trapped in a lift with
Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard recently enjoyed a light-hearted and open interview, giving supporters a unique insight into the atmosphere in the dressing room at the Gunners.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Famed for his cool head on the pitch and his intelligent footballing brain, Odegaard has shown his funnier side with this lighthearted Q&A. While the Norwegian skipper didn't hold back, especially when it came to picking out who he'd least like to be stuck in a lift with, or naming his best pals at Arsenal, or his future assistant manager.
Ukrainian left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko talks the most
Asked which of his teammates he'd least like to be stuck in a lift with, Odegaard faculty named poor old Oleksandr Zinchenko.
'He speaks too much,'
the Arsenal captain laughed, clearly in love with the Ukrainian left-back and coasting off his energy.
To make things even more fun, Odegaard added that Zinchenko not only talks a lot, but he also talks fast. Even with the kidding, it's clear they are the best of friends, the comment is more teasing than catty.
The interview provided a fascinating insight into the characters that inhabit Mikel Arteta's squad and also served as a timely reminder that, beyond all the tactics and congested fixtures list, there's some serious lols and chemistry in the Arsenal changeroom.
Best friend at Arsenal and future manager plans
When Martin Odegaard was asked about his best friend at the club, he was quick to point out that he has a good relationship with most of the players, but Kai Havertz is the one. The two have forged a deep understanding, not just in Arsenal's midfield, but well beyond it.
Indeed, when posed a hypothetical about which one player he would want as an assistant coach in 2050, Odegaard didn't blink: Kai Havertz.
It's a measure of Odegaard's respect for him — he was a Real Madrid player, too, and if he is here on loan, he is in London to serve as an equal, not a subordinate — and it's a sign of just how settled Havertz has become at Arsenal since leaving Chelsea.
Add a sense of humour, friendship, and forward-thinking to your
Arsenal team culture
, and Odegaard's interview underlines the one gripping the soul of Arsenal this season.
Also Read:
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
32 minutes ago
- NDTV
D Gukesh Reacts To Viral Magnus Carlsen Reaction Memes, Picks One That Had Him 'Laughing For 10 Mins'
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed D. Gukesh defeated World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in the sixth round of Norway Chess 2025. Carlsen reacted strongly, slamming the board and leaving the hall in frustration. Many memes went viral on social media regarding Carlsen's wild reaction Despite missing out on the Norway Chess 2025 title, India's chess prodigy D Gukesh grabbed all the limelight due to magnificent win over World No.1 Magnus Carlsen. Gukesh defeated Magnus Carlsen in the sixth round of the Norway Chess 2025. The 19-year-old defeated Carlsen in the classical format for the very first time in his career. More than the victory, one thing which made the headlines was Carlsen's wild reaction after the loss as he slammed the board and exited the playing hall in frustration. The video of Carlsen's reaction went viral on social media and triggered a hilarious meme fest. Recently, Gukesh opened up on the memes that are being made on that moment and even revealed the one which is his favourite. Speaking about the memes, Gukesh told Chess Base India, "Yes, the memes are actually very funny. Like, there was a cat meme. A cat was on the table and then it jumps (laughs). I was laughing at it like for 10 minutes." View this post on Instagram A post shared by ChessBase India (@chessbaseindia) Earlier after the match, Gukesh also backed his opponent and understood the frustration he must have faced. "I have also banged a lot of tables in my career," said Gukesh after the victory. Despite beating Carlsen in their head-to-head clash at Norway Chess, Gukesh ultimately ended up losing to the title to the Norwegian. American Fabiano Caruana defeated Gukesh in the final round, in a result that saw Carlsen clinch the tournament victory. Defending champion Carlsen ended the tournament with 16 points after drawing with the other Indian in the tournament, Arjun Erigaisi, from an unfavourable position. After the tournament, Gukesh was asked to choose the memorable moment from the Norway Chess 2025. "Beating Magnus," was Gukesh's prompt response. Carlsen had the same sentiment. The video of him banging the table after the defeat to Gukesh went viral on the internet. "I think it's the same. I mean, there were a lot of great moments in the tournament, but that one definitely stands out," Carlsen said.
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Xabi Alonso's New-Look Real Madrid Aiming For Club World Cup Glory
After Real Madrid's hopes of major silverware this season faded the Club World Cup took on far greater importance for them and it will provide an insight into new coach Xabi Alonso's strategy. The 43-year-old Spaniard, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, along with new arrivals Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen add a fresh look to a team that emerged battered and bruised from a domestic season dominated by bitter rivals Barcelona. Former Bayer Leverkusen coach Alonso may deploy his favoured 3-4-3 formation which would give England international Alexander-Arnold an important role on the right flank. Recent Spain debutant Huijsen also bolsters a back-line which has been badly hit by injuries this season. Madrid still have several players sidelined, including Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Eduardo Camavinga, but some may be able to make their return during the tournament. Midfielder Jude Bellingham is expected to have shoulder surgery after Real's participation ends which they hope is after they have been crowned champions. Their title ambitions is why they paid a reported 10 million pounds ($13.5 million) to sign Alexander-Arnold early, his Liverpool contract was due to end on June 30. In Group H Real Madrid's campaign begins against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal on June 18 in Miami, before facing Mexican outfit Pachuca in Charlotte on June 22. Alonso's team then face Austria's RB Salzburg in Philadelphia on June 26 in their final group game. Al-Hilal may be a tougher proposition than many expect, having recently appointed Simone Inzaghi as coach after he guided Inter Milan to the Champions League final. With a squad full of well-known names, including Aleksandar Mitrovic, Joao Cancelo and Kalidou Koulibaly, Al-Hilal will believe in their chances of causing an upset. Pachuca have former Newcastle striker Salomon Rondon leading the line but are seen as the weakest team in the group. Madrid beat them 3-0 in the Intercontinental Cup last December, with Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Junior all on target. Real also thrashed Salzburg 5-1 in January in the Champions League group phase, although the record 15-time winners were dumped out by Arsenal in the quarter-finals. 'Ambitious' play Ancelotti suggested a year ago that top clubs including Madrid would skip the Club World Cup, but was forced to backtrack, and with the winners bagging as much as $135 million, victory is important to the Spanish giants. After Barcelona reclaimed La Liga on the way to wrapping up a domestic treble, beating Madrid four times in the process, Madrid would also welcome some sporting success to raise morale and increase belief before the new campaign. Some of the same problems that Ancelotti could not solve are in Alonso's in-tray and the Club World Cup is the first chance for him to answer them. The Italian complained about a lack of balance because of the top-heavy attack, and Alonso has already suggested Bellingham will be used in a deeper role than previously. A classy midfielder at Madrid and Liverpool in his playing days, Alonso must find a way of playing both Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe without causing Madrid too many problems at the back. "We have to get everything we can out of them -- I have ideas," said Alonso earlier this month. "I am thinking about how to make a balanced team... (and create) a stability that will allow individual qualities to flourish." Madrid's football was often criticised under Ancelotti, to the Italian's chagrin, and Alonso said he wants his team to excite the fans. "We want an ambitious and active game, knowing how to take the initiative, and we have the players for it," he added. "I want a team that transmits emotion, energy, ambitious play and connects with the fans." Alexander-Arnold's supreme passing range may help Madrid overcome the absence of Toni Kroos, who left last summer, while Croatian veteran Luka Modric is playing his final matches for the club before departing. Leaving with a trophy would be an appropriate farewell for one of the game's modern greats, while record 15-time European Cup winners Madrid would also take pride in being the first team to win the expanded Club World Cup.
India Today
10 hours ago
- India Today
FIFA Club World Cup: Top 5 transfers
FIFA Club World Cup: Top 5 transfers By Debodinna Chakraborty With the FIFA Club World Cup starting from June 15, clubs have taken the chance to bolster up their squad for the competition. Clubs gear up for CWC With June 11 marking the last day for squads to submit their squad for the tournament, the clubs finalised their roster with some last-minute signings. Deadline Day Here are the top deadline day transfers for Club World Cup sides. Top transfers Manchester City completed roped-in Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, as part of a quartet-signing from the side. 1. Tijjani Reijnders Another Manchester City, which has prospects of being key for the side is that of Ryan Cherki from Olympique Lyon. 2. Ryan Cherki With Trent Alexander-Arnold moving to Real Madrid, Liverpool roped in Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. 3. Jeremie Frimpong Trent-Alexander Arnold make a big move from Liverpool to Real Madrid, joining his England teammate Jude Bellingham. 4. Trent-Alexander Arnold Another City signing on the list is them bringing in Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves. The midfielder impressed many this season. 5. Rayan Ait-Nouri Bayern Munich completed the signing of Johnathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen. 5. Johnathan Tah
