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Less than 48 hours after we beat Brentford to top the Premier League, Mikel Arteta faced the media again – this time at the Sobha Real Estate Training Center to discuss our Champions League clash with Porto Contest.
The media had many questions for the manager, including team news updates, chances of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010, what we need to do differently for the first leg and more.
Here’s everything he had to say:
For the latest team news:
Not many updates – we still have 24 hours and we’re working hard to keep everyone available.
About Fubao:
He finished the first part, Gabby didn’t, but that’s what we were hoping for [Tomi to be involved].
On Liverpool v Manchester City and the title race:
It’s great to be at the top, that’s for sure – it’s a great game of football, with two great teams with lots of options. I think it’s an amazing situation that we’re even involved in and look at the level of these two teams and we’re still there, we’re still on top. So, we’re ambitious and we want to keep it there and we have to play one game at a time.
On how much the team inspired around Ramsdale:
The unity of the players is amazing because it’s organic and natural. They really empathize with each other and when they have the opportunity to do something to make someone look better or get him out of trouble, they’re ready to do it. Once again this is a great example of the quality of our team and people.
What we have to do differently against Porto tomorrow compared to the first leg:
We certainly need to tweak some things to produce more than we can against them. This is Champions League level; you are facing top teams and you have two games in your mind and we have to do better tomorrow.
On the potential to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2010:
This is the opportunity we have tomorrow in front of our people and in our stadium. For 96 minutes, bring your energy, bring your noise, and let’s work together.
The role the audience will play:
I think the impact they can have tomorrow is incredible. I don’t think they really realize that, so we need that noise and we need them to play every ball with us. We also need to control our emotions to understand that the game can go through certain stages and we have to be very smart to push at the right moment to get what we want. It’s a great opportunity to spend these nights – it’s been 14 years, so it’s been worth everything we’ve put into it.
What it’s like to be on the touchline when the crowd is in good form:
I want to go out and play! That’s how we feel; it’s a pleasure to be part of this club and enjoy being involved in games like this. Tomorrow will be a good night.
On what he learned from the first round:
Each week, each opponent has their own strengths and weaknesses and how they approach the game, and now we know a little more about them. We have played games like this many times in the Premier League, we played one two days ago. We’re going to focus on being ourselves and doing more of the things that we have more control over than we did a few weeks ago.
On the potential to reach the top of the Premier League and the quarter-finals of the Champions League:
We have to achieve it tomorrow, but we have to be really good to achieve it.
On whether players need to control their enthusiasm and emotions:
Of course, but the playing environment is very important and we know we have a long game ahead of us and sometimes things go your way and sometimes things change dramatically. Emotionally, we have to be well prepared to go into these games.
On being able to call upon Jesus, Zinchenko and experienced players:
Unfortunately, we’ve been without them for a long time this season, and the same goes for guys like Thomas [Partey] We have others who will learn from the experience of playing in these games and the kids will be ready tomorrow.
On whether they’re healthy enough to start the game:
Well, everyone who is there has to have enough time to play because you might have to start five minutes later or from the start of the game and the lads are in a good position.
His fondest memories of playing in Europe:
I have several. It was a great night when we played Barcelona and Bayern Munich here, and when we had to play Milan, so there were a few, but now it’s the latest, about tomorrow, right now. We have to make it happen tomorrow.
Regarding what we need to do to cross this line:
Prepare yourself in the best way possible, make a lot of good decisions, and then be brave and have the guts to make things happen. In this case you can’t wait, you have to make things happen, and that’s the way to go tomorrow.
On whether there was one game that made him realize the impact fans can have:
My first derby with PSG against Marseille, I couldn’t believe the atmosphere. I went to Scotland and played in an old company and I was blown away, so it can play a huge role in giving you so much energy and belief and I’m sure it will be the same tomorrow.
On whether Martinelli will be available to play tomorrow:
What percentage do you want? There are options. Sorry to disappoint you!
Advice on Arsenal wanting to play and Porto wanting to win:
Without any explanation, these are just strong words.
On his desire to win tomorrow:
That’s a lot now because I haven’t had dinner yet! We had to accomplish some things that we hadn’t accomplished in 14 years, so you can imagine.
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