Unai Emery will be in no doubt of the importance of the season ahead.
It is, effectively, a make-or-break season for the Arsenal manager, set against a backdrop of difficult circumstances.
They are facing a third year in the Europa League without the prestige or the cash from playing in the Champions League which will hit the club hard.
Emery, 47, inherited a squad in need of major surgery and, despite making signings, would probably have wanted to do more, especially in defence.
Emery has had to tweak rather than rebuild and it will be the ultimate test for a coach still judged on what he achieved at Sevilla, leading the Spanish club to three consecutive Europa League trophies.
It was mixed elsewhere in his career, spending four years at Valencia and then two at Paris Saint-Germain where he enjoyed success, but struggled to manage with the biggest stars.
Emery is at a point where he is a well-respected coach, but not seen as being among Europe’s elite – and Arsenal is the club that can put him on that level.
The Spaniard’s biggest test now will be to get Arsenal back into the Champions League places, to get them back into the big time and to be competitive again.
Arsenal fans are largely on board, despite frustrations with last year’s poor away form and the end-of-season collapse, which saw them blow a top-four place and lose the Europa League final.
But even more pressing for the fans is to really understand what Emery is about, in terms of his managerial philosophy and style of football.
Some of the football was turgid last season, difficult to know whether Emery is a coach who favours possession football, counter-attacking or the pressing game. The team lacked an identity at times.
Emery’s English has noticeably improved since last season. That communication with fans will be vital this season.
Emery has a three-year contract, with a break clause after two seasons and he must get his message across this season.
Arsenal’s Greek defender Sokratis admits that, for the players, they fully understand Emery’s methods now and and his second season in charge should be better as a result.
Sokratis said: “We’re all together and, after one year, we know now what the boss likes and what he doesn’t.
“And I think we’re in a good moment also with the young guys because they help a lot and I hope things are going to go well.”
