Mikel Arteta’s Pre-Match Press Conference: Key Takeaways Ahead of Southampton Clash
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As the Premier League season draws to a close, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta held a pre-match press conference at the Sobha Realty Training Centre to discuss the team’s finale against Southampton. The press conference was reported by Arsenal.com, the official website of Arsenal Football Club.
Injury Updates: Saliba, Timber, and Jurrien
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Arteta provided updates on the team’s injury situation, confirming that Jurrien had undergone surgery on his ankle and would be out for a while. According to Arsenal.com, Arteta stated, “Jurrien had surgery on Tuesday morning on his ankle. He’s been feeling that discomfort for many, many weeks. He’s been navigating through the season with that issue and it needed to be resolved, so he’s going to be out for a while.” William Saliba also picked up an injury, feeling something in his hamstring during the match against Newcastle, and will be out for a few weeks.
The timeline for Timber’s injury recovery is still uncertain, with Arteta stating that it will depend on how the recovery goes. As quoted by Arsenal.com, Arteta said, “We don’t know yet. It will depend how the recovery goes. It will be weeks, but we don’t know exactly how much. Hopefully, it will be somewhere near the pre-season, if everything goes well, but we don’t know yet.”
Havertz’s Return and Partey’s Future
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Arteta expressed his delight at seeing Kai Havertz return to the team, stating that he was excited to contribute and had worked hard with the medical staff to get back in shape. As reported by Arsenal.com, Arteta said, “You could tell how excited he was. He’s been working so hard. I think he’s done great with the medical staff to get back in the shape and in the form that he is at the moment.”
Regarding Thomas Partey’s future, Arteta stated that there were question marks surrounding a few players and that they would have to wait and see what happens. However, he did praise Partey’s consistency and performance this season, as quoted by Arsenal.com, saying, “In regards to Thomas, I think consistency-wise it’s been his best season. I think the way he’s played and performed, his availability has been exceptional and he’s a really important player for us.”
Transfer Business and Next Season’s Goals
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Arteta discussed the team’s transfer business, stating that signing David Raya had been one of the best decisions they made. As reported by Arsenal.com, Arteta said, “We make decisions with that intention, but at the time it was a very unpopular one, there was so much pressure on it not to get it done. But I think we have to feel our gut and we have to be very analytical of what we think is necessary to improve the team, to take the team to a different level.”
He also emphasized the importance of alignment and clarity ahead of next season, stating that everyone at the club needed to be on the same page. According to Arsenal.com, Arteta said, “Alignment. Everybody at the end. We all feel the same way, that we feel that we are capable. It’s not just a dream or it’s not just something you want to do, it’s that we have everything that is needed to do that.”
Arteta also touched on the topic of success and failure in football, stating that he had a different view on it. As quoted by Arsenal.com, Arteta said, “Externally, yes. You’re going to only evaluate that, then use those two words and that’s it. But then make decisions based on that. So next season, you don’t do that, you are out. If you do that, you are here forever. I don’t know, what is it?”
The Women’s Champions League Final
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Arteta also expressed his support for the Women’s team, who will be playing in the Champions League final on Saturday. As reported by Arsenal.com, Arteta said, “I will be watching, I will be wishing and I think everybody is fully on board, bringing that energy to them. It’s going to be an incredible moment for the club, for them. So I wish them all the very best and we will be watching.”
Conclusion
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In conclusion, Arteta’s pre-match press conference provided valuable insights into the team’s injury situation, transfer business, and goals for next season. As reported by Arsenal.com, Arteta’s quotes provide a clear indication of the team’s ambitions and expectations for the future. With the season finale against Southampton approaching, Arsenal fans will be eagerly anticipating the match and hoping for a positive result.
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