Spanish manager, Mikel Arteta, said, his side, Arsenal, has the “ability and quality” to play against Atalanta in the UCL on Thursday night.
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| Manager Mikel Arteta at his press conference ahead of the Uefa Champions League 2024/25 League Phase match between his side, Arsenal and Atalanta at Gewiss Stadium on Thursday 19 September, 2024. Photo: Getty Images |
Arsenal will lock horns with Atalanta in their opener of the Uefa Champions League 2024/25 League Phase at Gewiss Stadium on Thursday 19 September, 2024.
According to arsenal.com, at his press conference ahead of the European encounter in Italy, Arteta said:
On whether it’s strange playing a Champions League game on a Thursday:
“It’s different but here we are, playing in the Champions League on a Thursday night. It’s different but we’re really happy, motivated and enthusiastic for the first game. It’s a really tough place to come, they’ve built something amazing here and it was a beautiful story what they achieved last season. But for us, it is a new season and we really want to kick on in the right way.”
On whether it’s a disadvantage ahead of Man City:
“Hopefully not. We have so much energy from what happened on Sunday, it was great. We have recovered a few players which is very important for us as well, and we’re playing in a competition that we absolutely love, so we’re looking at the positives.”
On Martin Odegaard’s injury:
“After everything was scanned, they showed that there was some damage, especially in one of the ligaments in the ankle so we’re going to miss him. I don’t want to [put a timeframe on it] because I am not a doctor but it is something quite significant so we’re going to lose him for a while – hopefully not months but let’s see.”
On the differences between domestic and European away matches:
“Obviously you don’t know the opponents as well and then the boxes become crucial. At this level, the small details and moments define the story of the competition and a game. The Premier League is a bit different; in Europe the teams are ruthless and you better be at your best and be very effective.”
On what the team have learnt from last season’s experience in the Champions League – and if they can take it into this campaign:
“I hope so. That’s the aim. It was a great campaign for us. We got to a place that we hadn’t been as a club for 16 or 18 years. We weren’t happy or satisfied at all because we want more. They showed their hunger. I think we have the ability, we certainly have the quality – and now we have to prove it.”
On Atalanta’s playing style:
“The club has an amazing story and what Gasperini has done is amazing. I have a big admiration for what he has done in his career, not only for Atalanta but for other clubs. He’s a very important figure and what they achieved last season was incredible and we’ll see how tomorrow goes!”
