Mikel Arteta has called for calm within his squad as Arsenal prepare for a crucial UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash against Sporting CP.
The Gunners head into the first leg in Lisbon under mounting scrutiny following back-to-back defeats to Manchester City and Southampton, raising concerns over a potential late-season dip.
Arteta demands perspective
Despite the recent setbacks, Arteta insisted Arsenal’s overall campaign should not be overlooked, stressing the difficulty of maintaining consistency across competitions.
“Have some perspective about how difficult it is what we have done until now,” he said.
The Spaniard acknowledged the disappointment of the loss to Southampton but maintained his side did not deserve to be beaten, pointing instead to lapses in executing their core principles.
“This is football and we got punished for things that are related to our identity,” Arteta added.
Champions League focus remains key
With domestic and European ambitions still alive, Arteta underlined the importance of maintaining focus ahead of the Sporting clash.
“If we had won the game, this is the quarter-finals of the Champions League, it doesn’t get much better,” he said.
Arsenal currently hold a strong position in the Premier League title race, but injuries to key players, including Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, have complicated preparations.
Pressure building despite strong season
The narrative surrounding Arsenal has shifted quickly, with critics questioning their mentality after consecutive defeats, their first such run this season.
However, Arteta remains confident his side can respond, insisting the squad is “hungrier than ever” as they aim to end a trophy drought dating back to 2020.
Meanwhile, Sporting manager Rui Borges expects a strong reaction from Arsenal, warning his team will face “a wounded beast” determined to bounce back.
Goalkeeper David Raya echoed that sentiment, urging the squad to channel recent disappointment into improved performances.
Leave a Reply