Mathew Ryan Reflects on His Brighton Tenure and Collaboration with Arteta at Arsenal

You have experience in both the Premier League and LaLiga. What are the key differences between them?

"Well, both leagues are incredibly tough, naturally. From the various competitions I have taken part in, whether by chance or design, LaLiga and the Premier League stand out as the most demanding I have encountered. 

"I truly cherished my stint in the United Kingdom, competing in the Premier League. Back in Australia, and indeed across the globe, the Premier League draws the largest audience. It benefits from substantial funding, widespread attention from international fans, and this is evident in the investments made by clubs, along with their broadcasting agreements, which provide ample resources. 

"Here in LaLiga, I am relishing this season with Levante. This marks my third spell in Spain, and it is the occasion where I have managed the most regular starts as the primary goalkeeper. I am genuinely savouring it.

"The Premier League boasts numerous technically gifted players, yet its defining trait is the intensity and pace. It is rapid, with little breathing room, and highly physical. This partly stems from the officials, who tend to allow more contact before intervening, you see?

"In contrast, leagues like Spain react differently; a player might exaggerate a challenge, even if it was minimal or nonexistent, and the referee blows the whistle promptly. Consequently, LaLiga feels less combative in terms of physical duels, though it remains fiercely contested. Many sides build play from the defence, focusing on possession and structured approaches.

"One notable contrast is the weather as well. Goalkeepers, like all players, must adapt when moving between nations. Spain is considerably drier and hotter in the south than the UK, and this impacts performance."

Your extended period was at Brighton, with more than 120 Premier League outings. What stands out from the early days?

"Absolutely thrilling. I had just come from Valencia, where starts were inconsistent. I loaned to Genk to regain match fitness, assuming I would return to Valencia and build from there with my lengthy deal. That plan fell through, and Brighton contacted my representative, leading to my signing. 

"The buzz of joining a Premier League outfit was immense, and I soon discovered more about Brighton. They had freshly constructed a new ground and training base, having earned promotion recently. It was exhilarating, and I adored my time there. 

"It was my most stable chapter at any team, my longest stay, and I even considered remaining for the duration of my career. I was truly content."

Did you have a defining instant where you thought, 'This is my league, I fit in here, I want to remain'?

"Yes, it remains my most cherished phase so far, performing at that elite standard in the Premier League, you know?

"I value every competition I have joined; they all present hurdles, but the scale of the Premier League, facing top clubs, world class talents, legendary coaches, and historic venues, fulfilled every ambition.

"The satisfaction from triumphs at that level, whether through key stops against stars or team victories over Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, or Manchester City, was unparalleled. Just the chance to compete against them was unbeatable.

"I felt at ease there, and it was disappointing how things concluded, truthfully. Still, I recall my Brighton days with great affection, some of the finest experiences of my life, stored securely in my mind, and I take immense pride in them."

Tony Bloom is renowned as a shrewd club owner, particularly in player acquisitions. Did you interact with him personally?

"He attended every game, and you would spot him occasionally, exchanging words and so on, though he was not a constant presence. When we did chat, they were pleasant exchanges.

"(However,) as a footballer, upon departure, you rarely uncover the full story. In my case, it was not due to any disciplinary or conduct issue. It could have been a sporting choice, club business matters, the views of Graham Potter, the then manager, or emerging talents with commercial potential. I lack clarity even now. 

"Ultimately, I gave my all to aid the teams success. We achieved much, especially avoiding drop in the initial seasons, which felt like lifting silverware, particularly those first two years. Wonderful recollections there.

"As I mentioned, I wished to extend my stay beyond what transpired, for I was exceedingly content. But that is how it goes."

During your Arsenal loan, what were your initial thoughts on collaborating with Mikel Arteta?

"Upon arrival, as a childhood Arsenal fan, I had somewhat set aside that allegiance while at Brighton, prioritising loyalty to my current side. But signing and conducting my debut interview, glancing at my red Arsenal kit, was a surreal, dreamlike moment.

"My initial discussion with him clarified I would back up Bernd Leno initially, yet I sought to express my drive. I yearn to compete at the pinnacle, so I posed the query. He replied, 'I cannot promise starts, but in my coaching history, those who earn it through training sessions receive chances.'

"That philosophy shone through his team setup and frequent adjustments against various opponents. My debut came after Lenos sending off, versus Aston Villa away; despite the 1-0 defeat, I thought I performed solidly. Subsequent chances arose when Leno was available, but I focused on training hard to merit selection, and he provided two further games.

"I might have featured more, but illness sidelined me once, and at seasons close, tensions with Leno influenced decisions. Staff noted, 'Purely on merit, you would start, but Leno has a contract, you are loaned, and we aim to avoid discord amid our European push,' which shaped the outcome.

"(Arteta) even mentioned pursuing a full transfer post season, but Aaron Ramsdale emerged, and the value of a homegrown keeper for squad rules led that way."

How was the atmosphere in the Arsenal squad, alongside players like Saka, Gabriel, and Odegaard?

"On joining, staff remarked they had just purged underperformers not aligned with Mikels vision. Ozil had departed that transfer window, Kolasinac too, and Mustafi soon followed.

"No ill will towards them, but such talks circulated. It felt rejuvenated, welcoming.

"Big clubs can have egos and cliques, but it was straightforward at Arsenal, like elsewhere I have been. French speakers grouped, Spanish too, yet all bonded superbly.

"There was lively teasing among the group, creating a supportive, enjoyable space. I thrived in it."

Arsenal lead the Premier League and remain in Champions League contention. Can they triumph, and how much praise does Arteta deserve?

"The Premier League title is the priority. It has eluded them for years, and they have been knocking on the door. Folks often say you must endure a near miss to claim it, and lately they have had several close calls.

"I am optimistic. Belief is essential; without it, you stumble early. They are nearer than ever, needing just that final surge.

"Mikel has excelled, as I observed firsthand and from outside. Results outshine rhetoric. They have secured other honours, and should they lift the Premier League, it reflects purposeful progress.

"This field is brutal, hyper competitive, with zero tolerance for slips. Punishment arrives without fault at that tier. Rivals vie savagely for glory. One can excel as a leader yet never conquer.

"True distinction comes from delivering. I am certain his initial major win will spark a series."

Levante is enduring a challenging campaign, near the foot of the standings. What is required to secure LaLiga survival?

"Yes, we sit low. Not rock bottom, with one below us. We simply require two more beneath to safety.

"Perspective varies individually. We dislike our spot and prefer avoiding the drop zone all term, but realistically, one victory could elevate us, based on others outcomes.

"Survival would make this a triumphant year, given the clubs promotion last term. Levante grapples with limited funds and such; ascending to top flight and enduring is among the hardest feats for any outfit.

"We have positioned ourselves for possible salvation, and we strive relentlessly for it."

You have shown strong recent performances. Does this shift the team dynamic?

"Naturally, better outcomes foster positivity, but triumph largely hinges on navigating setbacks as an individual or unit.

"I trust my daily efforts yield my peak, aiding any side at the elite level. If not, consolation lies in regret free commitment to excellence. 

"I aim high personally and collectively, refusing to cap potential, as the impossible becomes real eventually, you understand? I firmly hold that view, avoiding underselling myself or the squad.

"Should plans falter, I avoid brooding or overreacting. I reflect honestly, assured I maximised my contribution, and accept it. Unpleasant results sting, yet I extract lessons to improve next time, be it match or campaign.

"For me, a regret free existence and profession brings serenity, allowing appreciation of lifes broader joys."