All of Mikel’s press conference prior to Liverpool
Mikel Arteta used the Sobha Realty Training Center for his pre-Liverpool press conference.Questions concerning Sunday’s huge game against the league leaders, the most recent team news, and much more were thrown at the boss.
What he had to say on the following topics is included below:
Regarding Jesus and Partey updates:
Yes, Gabi spent the entire week playing and practicing with us. Sadly, Thomas won’t be able to join the squad because of a small setback that occurred a few days ago. We’ll see if it takes a few days or weeks, but he had a minor issue.
Regarding Thomas’ setback: Let me try to explain—I’m not a doctor! He experienced a very similar sensation again, and for the past two days, he has been unable to train.
For our match against Liverpool on Sunday, we must play as we have the past two times we’ve faced them and be more effective in the areas that will determine the outcome of the match. [I’m] quite thrilled because, no matter how good they are, Liverpool dominates every element of the game, so it’s always nice to prepare for them. We play at home, and I can feel a genuine sense of happiness and energy there.
On our level of readiness for these major games:
We obviously went through a lot, and the previous season was a significant step forward. We’re aiming for even greater things this year, and we’ve made significant progress by qualifying for the Champions League. In addition, our team is stronger. It is true that we suffered a few serious injuries, but I believe the team handled that extremely well.
Regarding our FA Cup matchup with Liverpool and whether things have improved since then:
The team’s performance was remarkably comparable. Obviously, our trip to Dubai gave us a chance to reenergize and rekindle our relationship. We also had a lengthy interval between the games against Forest and Palace, and I think we’re still playing really well. We were obviously far more effective in the last third, which is crucial for winning football games.
Regarding players fighting between themselves: You don’t dispute with people you don’t get along with. That occurs when you have the chemistry and trust necessary to respond to someone the way he did.
Regarding the necessity of such behavior inside the team, I adore it. I’m fine with it as long as it’s done respectfully and solely with the goal of raising the bar and improving as a team, and it stays there.
Regarding whether or not a victory over Liverpool would give us confidence and momentum, absolutely, and we have. We have already defeated formidable opponents this season, and we now have the chance to defeat Liverpool and move up in the standings. We discuss momentum; we want to win the third game, especially at home with our supporters, after winning the previous two. I urge everyone to play every single ball with us because we’re going to need this amazing atmosphere. If we do that, we’ll have a great chance of winning the game.
on whether Liverpool is more motivated to have a successful season finale now that Klopp is gone:
I hope not, because I have no idea.
on his thoughts in that scenario: I’m not in that scenario, therefore I know enough to comprehend how we feel in our situation.
if he will miss Klopp: Without a doubt. I believe his loss will be significant. He’s been an inspiration, as I’ve said before; he’s someone who has given the Premier League a new dimension; he’s instilled a really appealing and exciting way of playing, [how he’s] set up teams, and he’s also capable of developing a team and transforming a club. He’s here for the time being, yet he will be missed.
if the predictability from the previous season has diminished:
There are times when you can provoke an opponent, and there are other times when the opponent’s actions determine the rules of the game and your options. We haven’t changed from the team that defended against more deep blocks the previous season, and it’s encouraging to see that we’ve scored goals in a variety of ways over the past two weeks. As a whole, the team has controlled every facet of the game. Compared to the previous season, we are clearly producing more and conceding fewer goals. The difficulty lies in making it visible in the scoreline.
on the reason we didn’t sign a forward in January:
If we triumph and score a ton of goals on Sunday,? This is how I think. I adore my guys, and I believe that on Sunday we will win, score goals, and be the best team around. They truly deserve all of our praise for who they are.
Reasons why it’s positive to witness teammates fighting:
Perhaps our definitions of “fight” and “emotional” are different, or perhaps the talk is tense and emotional near the conclusion of the game when your heart rate is 200 beats per minute. Nothing new; it’s just typical. I want my players to be driven and committed, and I want them to always want to improve. We need to be firm with one another if we want to do it. Otherwise, it’s Disneyland.
We are eliminated from the race for the title if we lose.
I’m not sure. Right now, I’m thinking about winning, and that’s my mentality.
No, it’s not a match that must be won. We want to win this game, but we have to earn the right to do so. There is a purpose for why they are there, but there is also a reason why we are where we are; therefore, in order to do that, we will need to take a lot of positive actions.
on the fact that a lot of teams didn’t sign players in January:
If you are successful in hiring him, there might not be a player in the market that can truly have the impact or make the difference that you require.
Regarding our victory over Manchester City as a model for winning important games:
Yes, as well as Brighton, Manchester United, and the Liverpool match we played here the previous season. We’ve done this a lot, but tomorrow’s game will be different, and the team appears to be quite prepared. I’m really anticipating the game. We want those days when we know the stadium will be packed with us as well. We want to spend those afternoons with our fans doing difficult things and anticipating a huge game the next day.
Regarding Partey’s inability to maintain his fitness, we are really concerned since he is a crucial player for us. He was beginning to gain traction at the beginning of the season, but we temporarily lost him. It has been a while since we have seen him, and he offers us something unique that no other player on the team can match. He has truly been missed.
Regarding the causes of the injuries, a variety of injuries have been reported. While there are many factors that are extremely difficult to manage, not everything is dependent on luck. The player has a history of problems, but we must safeguard him and take all reasonable precautions to ensure that they don’t arise again.
about the training center for Sobha Realty:
Just a quick hello to Sobha Realty as a new member of our football team. I believe it will be a fantastic method for us to upgrade the space and provide the amenities we require to enhance functionality and add even more character to this location. They’re going to be quite helpful in meeting some of our needs.
Lino Sousa’s departure on the day of the deadline was a club decision; undoubtedly, he had a very specific circumstance involving his contract. There has been much discussion on it, and I agree with the club that taking that action was the wisest course of action.
Regarding the readiness to offer young players a chance, we are very interested in doing so. First and foremost, we must develop those talents; they must also earn them; and second, they must occupy the roles that we must fill. We’re working on it, but everything needs to fit together. While we do have a few close prospects, the truth is that we are looking for more. We are a little short today in order to provide the opportunity to play on the first team at the necessary level.
