Before Arsenal’s Premier League match against Bournemouth, Mikel Arteta gave updates to the media regarding Jorginho’s contract, Gabriel Jesus’ future, and Jurrien Timber’s fitness.
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta (Image: 2024 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
What is the team’s weekend news?
Indeed, all are available and fit, so the only challenge left is to choose wisely.
A satisfying headache?
A satisfying headache.
Would you rather come in ahead of Man City?
It is what it is. This season, we’ve done it in a variety of situations. We understand each other. The only thing we can concentrate on is winning our game, after which we must wait.
To what extent do you want to hold onto Jorginho?
I wish I could keep him. He is aware of that. The club is totally in favor of that. He plays a vital role for us both on and off the field. We want him to stay because he improves us.
Could you share your set pieces success story with us?
It is a culmination of numerous elements. We practice a lot of different play phases and strategies that we believe will make us more competitive and help us win some games. In football, set pieces are an essential component.
To what extent has Rice met your expectations?
He’s been fantastic and has made a big difference right away. Coming from a club you’ve frequented for a long time can be challenging, but he settled in quite nicely. This group is fantastic. They’ve also been really helpful, in my opinion. Certain players have a natural ability to fit in right away. He told me he felt like he had been here for two years during a preseason conversation I had with him in the US, which was eight or nine days ago. That is encouraging.
READ MORE: Before Bournemouth, Mikel Arteta provides the most recent injury update for Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta’s selection dilemma for Arsenal against Bournemouth could impact Zinchenko’s future
Will you be watching Wolves vs. City?
I’ll watch them if I can. I enjoy watching exciting games where there are obviously a lot of stakes. Let’s take care of business first.
How do you feel about Iraola’s work?
Outstanding work. to enter the Premier League and accomplish his feats. Much appreciation for him and the coaching team. They should be commended greatly for both their accomplishments and their approach, which is, in my opinion, equally significant. Indeed, congrats to them on this wonderful accomplishment.
What do you remember about Bournemouth’s 3-2 victory against you last season?
It was one of the highlights of the season and ended in a really lovely way, so I have wonderful memories of it. We are aware that we will need to earn it once more. We need to be prepared because this will be an extremely difficult match.
At this point, how crucial is the never-say-die mentality?
At any rate, we know that winning games will require a variety of strategies given what’s at stake if we prevail. That might be one. We hope that tomorrow won’t be like that, but if it is, we’re okay with it.
To what extent do the players find the title run-in enjoyable?
There’s a great deal of energy. We’re going to give it our best shot because the players are so passionate and engaged in our recent training session.
You achieved the distinction of being the youngest manager to win 100 Premier League games. To what extent are you satisfied with your progress?
That is the result of many people who have helped you win games and have been incredibly supportive throughout this journey. Thank you for that, and since that’s what we want, maybe this will result in trophies.
Saka expressed the opinion that the team had grown from the previous year.
While some of them are obvious, others have to do with what’s going on in other games. We played a very different game at Spurs last year, but we handled the situation pretty well. Though I believe the team has grown more mature, there is always room for improvement. The team’s health is considerably better right now. Having these elements all helps you to be in a better position.
Declan experienced excitement during their initial talks? To what extent has he been coached?
Indeed, that word is appropriate. He was eager to learn how to take in information, with his eyes and ears wide open. Furthermore, he must have taken on a great deal of responsibility and expectations, which is sometimes a heavy load to bear. Considering how young he is, it is really impressive that he handled it with such composure and calm.
Many had spoken of his goal record prior to his arrival at Arsenal. How much longer will it take?
I believe there is a great deal more. He needs to develop the relationship and chemistry he has within the unity he is playing with, something that is still quite raw. This is especially important given the number of changes we have made to the left side this season. We need to put him in more situations so that he can explore the ones he already has. He also needs to recognize the situations earlier. All of this will therefore aid in his development, and perhaps much more will be revealed.
How many more points would you have had this season if Timber and Partey had played? I know you don’t do ifs.
Have you got a coin? Ping! I’m clueless! We have missed them because the team is more competitive, more talented, and more led when they are there. That much is certain. The athletes that filled their shoes were outstanding. Let’s see what happens right now, and I can respond more specifically to your question in three or six months, when they should have played a lot of games.
If you triumph, it will be an Arsenal Premier League record. Is now the right time to act?
Indeed. Just put all of your effort and attention into acquiring the will and determination necessary to earn the right to win games. The first one is at home against Bournemouth, where the atmosphere is sure to be amazing. Stay in the present and moment. And we’ll see what transpires.
Did you talk to Iraola about the team’s drastic change and the poor performance in the first ten games of the autumn season?
Indeed, particularly following our match. Although their extremely challenging schedule played a significant role, it was evident that the team was getting close to producing outcomes and giving opponents fits. Kudos to him for sticking to his convictions. I’ve known him since we were young and he’s an amazing person and coach.
Have any of you guys spoken?
Particularly after our game, we had a conversation afterward. You don’t want to talk to anyone during those times. However, we had a brief talk there during which I also shared my experiences and what I went through, and occasionally that helps.
Give tomorrow the same weight as the London derbies?
We started by attempting to determine the location of the spirit and energy. They had already begun to discuss it. Now that we have momentum, the players understand what’s at stake, and we need to keep going, Bournemouth becomes even more crucial.
Would you rather have a dull victory tomorrow than a dramatic 3-2 loss?
I’m thinking of a different game for tomorrow. But, yes, we will need to give it our all and perform exceptionally well if we want to have a good chance of winning the game.
Timber’s comeback to strengthen the team?
It does so by elevating the standard of the training sessions. Looking at each other, they say, “Mmm, I better be good because I want to keep playing,” which is very positive for the squad. You can see how commanding he is, his leadership, his quality, and the rest of them to lift it up.
Is Timber prepared to take a stand?
That won’t be known until we insert him. The situation is challenging because there are just three games left and he has only played 115 minutes of football with the Under-21s. We need to try to make the right decision when [we take it], and the only way to answer this is to put him on the field.
Raya to remain?
We’ll talk about those after the season. We’ll assess our current situation. Without a doubt, we are extremely pleased with David and everything he has contributed to the team and the club. However, we at the club make those decisions together, so we’ll see.
In terms of Odegaard’s leadership, what can you say?
He’s a terrific guy and a pleasure to be around. In the best possible way, he embodies the principles of our club. He continues to grow. In the coming month, he will go through a few personal experiences that, in my opinion, will greatly advance his personal development. Our purpose is to assist him.
He has grown both personally and professionally since joining the club. His position in the team now obviously differs greatly from what it did when he came on loan. He has led us as captain for some time now and is still in that role. He is a highly esteemed athlete who consistently delivers exceptional performances that are rarely seen at this caliber.
We are unsure of his potential. In my work, we strive to provide players with the proper groundwork for growth and then foster an atmosphere that encourages and uplifts them, giving them the confidence to soar to any destination they choose. I have to take care of this. After laying the groundwork, have faith in their ability to improve and that their perception of what is possible will determine how far they can go. Martin is undoubtedly very driven.
What are the off-field characteristics of Odegaard, Saka, and White?
Yes, they are constantly together, and it’s obvious that they have a special bond based on the way they interact with one another and look at each other.
Will Timber participate in tonight’s Under-21 match?
He is not going to play that game tonight.
This season hasn’t had as many crazy games as Bournemouth’s previous campaign. Do you believe that cost you last season, and are you better this year because of the more subdued games?
Yes, there is a lower chance of winning matches when it’s too late. This season, we’ve done a better job of calling games much earlier. That the team can manage games and determine them early is probably encouraging. I hope we can apply the same logic to the final fixtures.
Do you believe that has ultimately given your team more vigor at the conclusion of the season?
There is an accumulation when you play every three days and place increased demands on your body and mind during the later phases of games. The teams that advance to the later stages [of a title race] typically demonstrate their dominance in games and their substitutions. That is, in my opinion, a fairly pertinent point.
There have been rumors that this summer, you would consider offers for Gabriel Jesus. Are those true?
Where this is coming from is unknown to me.
So you’re not planning to let him go?
No, no.
Do you have a deal to put your friendship aside, or do you talk to Pep when you run into each other?
It just happens naturally; there is no agreement. We speak with one another when something occurs, and we obviously play against one another when it’s necessary. We are all aware of the circumstances. There are other times to express yourself and have a conversation.
Once more, Klopp has criticized the 12:30 p.m. kickoff time. What do you think about it?
We were probably talking more about the Champions League games and the recovery period when we talked about that slot. In my opinion, the Premier League and this nation’s culture are ingrained with the slot. It is, in my opinion, extremely important. I believe there are other, more pressing problems.
