Arsenal head coach addressed the media ahead of the huge showdown with Manchester City as reported by arsenal via their youtube channel, speaking on recent emotions, injuries, and the pressure of the title race.
With SoftFootball noting their recent setback against AFC Bournemouth and a strong UEFA Champions League outing where David Raya impressed, the manager reflected deeply on the situation before delivering these remarks:
Well some very sad news obviously. So we want to send Alex, his family, everybody that was part of his journey in his life, our condolences and our love because it was shocking news and difficult to take. It puts everything into perspective, but we have got a big football match now. We have another training session tomorrow. It didn’t look that bad after the game and he was quite positive. He’s a player that pushes through pain, so I’m hopeful that he can be available, but we have to wait and see if he can train.
After addressing the emotional side of the week, he shifted focus to squad readiness and preparation:
We’ll have a solution whatever happens. We are so used to this this season for various reasons. Some players are quite close, but the turnaround is short. We will try tomorrow to push everybody and if they are in good condition they will be part of us. It was a great night reaching the semi-finals, it really gave us a boost because to be part of the top European clubs is a big thing. We have to use that energy for Sunday.
Speaking on the magnitude of the upcoming clash, he made it clear where priorities lie:
It’s certainly the most important game because it’s the next one. We have earned the right to be in this position, to challenge and have the opportunity to win against arguably the best team and manager this league has seen. That is a huge privilege. We prepare every game to win it. We are not going to spend one second thinking about a draw.
He also emphasised mentality and resilience, especially with injuries affecting the squad:
Our team has to give every tool and every element that we need to go and win it. We will have a very strong opponent, but we’ve been doing this for nine months. Mentality plays a big part, we have improved a lot in that area and we must show it again. We have coped with injuries all season and where we are now is not normal, but it shows our mentality and the solutions the players have found.
Finally, he underlined the importance of the moment and what victory could mean:
It’s a very competitive match between top sides fighting for the Premier League. It doesn’t get better than that. Winning at this stage brings you closer, that’s clear, and that is why we want to win on Sunday. The players have shown character already, and this is another opportunity to show it again.
Watch video below;
Softfootball highlights that the manager’s words reflect a balance of realism, belief, and urgency as the title race reaches a decisive stage.
