Mikel Arteta will manage what could be possibly his biggest game as an Arsenal manager. Facing Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish manager had some encouraging words for the players and fans.
Giving updates on injuries and how he plans to approach Real Madrid, Artera claimed they will need a special effort by fans to get them through. In what is Arsenal’s first Champions League semi-final game in 16 years, the Spanish manager gave a brief insight into his journey to this point.
Opportunity to Write Our Own Story – Mikel Arteta
Arteta in his pre-Madrid conference expressed the excitement that’s been building around the Emirates Stadium. In what he believes is an important occasion to leave their remarks, Arteta talked about his management career and opportunities as he told the media:
“That’s why I came into football. That’s why I came into management and especially to this football club. It’s been 20 years since we had this type of game and for us, it’s a great opportunity to build our own story and this is what we’re here for.”
Talking further on the comparison of the current Arsenal squad and the 2006 era, Arteta talked about taking inspiration from the previous generation. On how he sees the two Arsenal squads from different eras, the Spaniard continued:
“That’s an inspiration for sure because that generation and what they achieved is what we want to achieve certainly. It’s very different, 20 years is a long time in football and it was a very different context, but the history is there. Unfortunately, it’s too far to be very relevant to the situation that we are in, but there are things to take from there and be inspired for sure.”
Arsenal has been to a Champions League final in their history only once before. Should Artera achieve this milestone, he will be the second Gunners manager to do so. However, realising the mountain ahead of him, the 43-year-old manager addressed Real Madrid’s rich history as he said:
“That’s the history and they have earned that because of the mindset that they have. So you can’t ignore that, that’s a fact. I don’t want to talk about it because we all know about it, so let’s talk about what we have to build and what we have to do, and how we can feel inspired by these occasions and look at what we do.“
Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard
Bukayo Saka who returned from injury against Fulham after three months of absence. Putting himself on the scoring sheet in his comeback, Saka also managed to put some minutes in his bag. When asked about the updates on Saka’s full fitness, Arteta told the press:
“He’s in a much better place. Gradually, we have built his minutes in the last six or seven days. He scored with that well and he’s in a good place to be able to be used.”
Arsenal Captain Martin Odegaard left Real Madrid for the North London club in 2021. Joining the club on a permanent move, the Norwegian has established himself as one of the important pillars of Arteta’s system. Discussing how important his role could be in their semi-final against Real Madrid, Arsenal manager Arteta said:
“I think it’s very important for the football club because we recruited a player that fits every Quality to deliver performances, the demands that we want and then the person that is an exceptional representative of the values of this football club.”
“Our history and people from where we were to where we are, the role that he’s played and how much he has contributed to be playing where we are at the moment.”
Arteta will have to rely on his best players if they are to triumph over Real Madrid. Taking a goal advantage to the Spanish Capital will be crucial for Arsenal given the record of Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid who come into this competition as the clear favourites are expected to be tested at Arsenal. Moreover, after taking a hit in their La Liga title race, Carlo Ancelotti and his side will be keen to get back on winning terms on the night at Emirates Stadium.
