Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the press ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Kairat Almaty at the Emirates Stadium, Softfootball reports.
The Gunners take on the Kazakhstan champions knowing victory would seal a 100 per cent record in the league phase before the knockout rounds begin in March. Speaking at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, in comments shared via the club’s official X handle, Arteta addressed the team’s mindset after the weekend setback, the internal response within the squad, and the challenge awaiting them in Europe.
Arsenal go into the tie determined to bounce back from Sunday’s heartbreaking league defeat to Manchester United, with the manager insisting the group has reacted in the right way.
On the squad’s response to defeat, Arteta said:
The reaction has been excellent. We took a moment to bring the temperature down, to pause, to reflect and ask two questions. One is how do we feel, and how do I feel myself, and then how we want to live the next four months.
It was so encouraging and beautiful, because what came out of there is very simple. We have earned the right to be in a great position in four competitions, and in the next four months we’re going to live and play with enjoyment, with a lot of courage and with the conviction that we’re going to win it.
Arteta also stressed the importance of unity between the team and supporters as the decisive stage of the season approaches, He stated:
I’m just hoping that everybody that is related to this club, especially our supporters, jump on that boat because this is the way that we’re going to live the next four months because we deserve to live like this.
On conversations with the players, He explained:
Together with the players, it was just a conversation about that. First of all, because I told them how good they are and how grateful we are to share every single day with them, and the position to realise where we are, and just make sure that we enjoy with a lot of conviction that it’s going to happen because it’s our moment and we really want it.
On the challenge posed by Kairat Almaty, he said:
Well, obviously, it’s the Champions League, so every opponent is very tough because they are very used to winning.
I watched their games against Real Madrid and Inter. They make it very, very difficult for them. So tomorrow we expect a very similar game. We have to be at our best because we want to win the game again and we’ll go for it.
With qualification already secured, Arsenal now have the chance to respond on the European stage, as Arteta’s side look to maintain momentum and finish the league phase perfectly in front of the Emirates crowd.
