Mikel Arteta has advised Arsenal’s players to remain calm as they look to rebound their season against Sporting Lisbon.
The Gunners approach Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal, first leg, following two consecutive defeats that have raised new questions about their capability to secure silverware.
Before the international break, Arsenal suffered a 2-0 loss in the Carabao Cup Final against Manchester City, followed by an exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Championship side Southampton.
Despite having never won the Champions League, Arsenal currently enjoys a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League, seeking to end a 22-year drought in that competition.
When asked if he had to prevent panic from settling in his squad, Arteta responded: “What we need is clarity. Instead of panicking, we should understand why we lost and analyze it. Acknowledging this will make us better. That’s the focus we need.”
“We have to maintain perspective on how challenging our journey has been so far. Embrace the pain and emotions from our recent losses and channel them into improvement. We were clear on what went wrong; we did not deserve to lose those matches, but football can be unforgiving, and mistakes can be costly.”
“We must protect our identity, as that’s what has brought us success and placed us in our current position.”
“We are more motivated than ever and excited for tomorrow’s match.”
Arteta confirmed that Gabriel Magalhães, Declan Rice, and Leandro Trossard will be available to play against Sporting, while Bukayo Saka and Jurriën Timber did not join the traveling squad and remain in London, with hopes of playing in Saturday’s league fixture against Bournemouth.
Prior to their flight to Lisbon, Arsenal’s training session featured an unusual exercise where players in groups of four balanced a ball on their heads while moving across the pitch, followed by a task where they held pens between their fingertips while moving as a unit.
“Training sessions need various elements and should reflect the messages and commitments we’ve established among ourselves,” Arteta explained regarding the drills. “I strive to incorporate as many of those messages and commitments as possible into our training.”
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Viktor Gyökeres returns to face his former team after a €63 million ($74 million) summer transfer from Sporting, recently scoring to help Sweden qualify for the upcoming World Cup.
“Those experiences shape your career,” Arteta noted. “There’s nothing quite like scoring a goal that secures your nation’s place in the World Cup. That feeling lasts for a lifetime, like all the moments he creates for us.”
Gyökeres netted 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting but pushed for a transfer to Arsenal, which may lead to a mixed reception during his return to Estadio Jose Alvalade.
However, Arteta mentioned: “He’s genuinely excited and grateful for his time here. He speaks fondly of the club, the players, and the staff. Those experiences are integral to his journey. But now, at Arsenal, he has the opportunity to compete in the Champions League quarterfinals, a level he’s yet to experience.”