Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called on the Premier League to increase matchday squad sizes to 23 players to support player mental health and squad management.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has formally requested that the Premier League increase matchday squad sizes from 20 to 23 players.
Seeking to align with Champions League regulations, Arteta argues the current restrictions negatively impact player welfare.
He stated, “I beg them from here… because it’s much better to manage the squad, to maintain the value of the players, to maintain the mental health of the players.”
The Spaniard highlighted the emotional toll of excluding fit players from travel and competition. Arteta noted the difficulty of telling athletes they cannot do their jobs, explaining,
“When you take that chance away, you have to leave that player because he feels that he’s not good enough.”
He believes expanding the bench allows for better tactical flexibility and improved emotional stability throughout grueling seasons.