Arteta on facing adversity, transfer plans, creating a big NLD atmosphere & more
Today at 04:13 AM
In the second half of his pre-Sp*rs press conference, Mikel Arteta touched on the importance of the home fans creating a big atmosphere, the positives of facing so much adversity this season, the opportunity at Raheem Sterling’s feet and how he picks up Kai Havertz after a tough week.
Here’s what he had to say…
On former teammates who used to reinforce the importance of the North London derby…
A player in particular, I cannot remember. I remember having a few conversations with Jack [Wilshere] about it, because Jack was very passionate that we all know about the rivalry. And he made it very public as well a few times, so that was all the time very, very viral! So, that probably is something that has stuck in my head from a player’s perspective.
On how he managed to change the mood this time last year and if he can do it again….
I think it is a bit different, because from the start of the season already we had to deal with quite a lot of things, which again I think is going to, and it is helping the team a lot to get what we want to get, to have those kind of experiences, and having the ability to adapt and confront the situation in the manner the team is doing again. But yeah, about the results, it is not what we want for sure, but the manner that they are occurring as well is very specific and especially very unusual.
On the team showing defiance this season…
For example, in the Premier League, we are in the same situation as we were last year (40 points after 20 games), obviously we are in a much better place in terms of the league table (3rd vs 4th), that tells you about the difficulty and the competitiveness of the league. But as well we have very, very different circumstances in terms of managing the situation in the squad, and all the stuff that happened to last season, so that is I think a big positive from the team.
On fans expecting Arsenal to accelerate summer plans given the injuries to Saka and Jesus…
Yeah, that is a great point, obviously, we are losing two very creative, very important, very unpredictable players for us, so that has an impact in the team, that is for sure. So that is what we have said, but not for now, it is from the start of the window and before the window [we start planning]. We are actively looking at what we can do to plan and to improve the squad and impact the squad if we can. Obviously, the news of Gabby [ACL surgery], if confirmed [it was!], takes the scenario to another dimension as well, because the time frame [for recovery] will be longer.
On Sterling’s performance against United and the opportunity he now has to make a mark…
Yeah, I was really happy with the way that he came in. Since he had again that injury and came back, you could see that he was going to give us something important and great, because we need him. You can see what he can bring, he is used to playing in this kind of context as well, and the demands that we have every three days, so great to have him.
On it being a shame both sides will be missing big players for the North London derby…
I imagine that externally they want to see everybody available and going toe-to-toe with the best players, but I think anyway it’s going to be a tough match.
On the NLD being an opportunity for players to earn legendary status…
Yes, we know the meaning and the emotion related to that, so anything that is about performing and impacting the game in a manner that is going to help you to win it, the consequences are beautiful.
On Ethan Nwaneri…
He’s good, he’s started to do some work on the pitch already, so he’s evolving really well. He’s young, he heals very, very fast, so hopefully we can have him soon.
On how he galvanises Kai Havertz after a tough week…
First of all, we assess his performance in a way that you don’t isolate a topic, which is scoring a goal. [We focus on] What Kai brings to the team. Like many other players this season, probably we haven’t been as prolific in terms of the numbers that we have scored, but they produce incredible things for the team, certainly Kai is one of them.
On Sunday’s atmosphere turning negative…
There are a lot of things happening that are very difficult to control and understand. The ones that are in our hands, and this is one of them, let’s create the best atmosphere that the Emirates has seen. This is something that is in our hands. If we want it, we’re going to create it, we don’t depend on anybody. So what we’re going to try with the players and the staff is that we are the first ones to embrace that, and hopefully they will follow us.
On the importance of home support in a derby…
Crucial for Tottenham and for the rest [of the games]. I think the amount of points is not tangible, and I cannot describe how much he helps the narrative, the energy across the club. We have experienced it, a negative one and a positive one, and what is the outcome? So it’s our choice.
On whether the club have an idea of the player they might want to replace Jesus…
We have very clear ideas of the players that we want, yes. It was the case before Gabby [got injured] and with Gabby injured right now. We have to wait and see how things develop.
On what profile of player he wants…
You can speak to Jason [Ayto]. You know I’m not going to speak about that.
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