Manager rallies squad for Champions League clash, vowing to fight on all fronts despite historic trophy drought.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called on his players and supporters to “live and play with courage” as they look to bounce back from a painful weekend defeat and secure top spot in their Champions League group on Wednesday.
The Gunners travel to face bottom side Kairat Almaty needing just a single point to guarantee first place, a stark contrast to the sting of Sunday’s last-gasp 3-2 loss to Manchester United. That result delivered a blow to their Premier League title charge, but Arteta insists the squad’s reaction has been “encouraging and beautiful.”
“We took a moment to bring the temperature down, to pause and to reflect,” Arteta said, addressing the mood after the United game. “What came out of it was very simple: we have earned the right to be in four competitions. We’re going to live and play with a conviction that we’re going to win it.”
He directly appealed to the fans to join the renewed push: “I hope our supporters jump on that vote because that is how we’re going to live the next four months.”
The match comes with Arsenal carrying the weight of history, having never won the Champions League and not lifting the Premier League trophy in over twenty years. Arteta acknowledged that past but stressed a focus on the future.
“What happened in the past has to be very powerful for what happens in the future,” he said. “We all channel the energy and live in the moment… it is going to be very enjoyable.”
With an eye on a busy schedule that includes a League Cup semi-final against Chelsea, Arteta confirmed defenders William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, along with midfielder Mikel Merino, will miss the Kairat clash. He cautioned it was too early to fixate on end-of-season prizes.
“It’s still very early. We have so many games in so many competitions,” he noted, emphasizing the immediate task at hand. A positive result in Almaty would provide a timely boost before the team returns to domestic action against Leeds United this weekend.
Similar Posts:
- Arteta Eases Fears Over Saka Injury After Arsenal’s Win at Ipswich
- Arteta Fires Back at “Disrespectful” Question Ahead of Arsenal’s Showdown with Manchester City
- Arteta Unfazed by Dembele’s Absence as Arsenal Prepares for PSG Showdown
- Injury Crisis Deepens as Arsenal Lose Gyokeres Before Champions League Trip
- I’d Rewind That Sub – Arteta’s Painful Admission Over Jesus Injury Blunder
