Home GeneralArteta on player withdrawals, goalkeeper choice and FA Cup 'magic'

Arteta on player withdrawals, goalkeeper choice and FA Cup 'magic'

by Luna
4 views

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton at St Mary’s stadium (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • Arteta said "you will see" when asked about team news, and he will let people continue "the speculation" after they had 11 players withdraw from international duty.
  • On the number of Arsenal players returning early from national team duties: "We have very good relationship and communication with most of the national teams – certainly with [England manager] Thomas [Tuchel] too. We have been extremely supportive all the time. When you have to communicate the state of every player, we are always honest and a medical decision had to be made. That was clear what the conclusion was."
  • He continued: "When you are fit and available to play for the national team, you have to play. It makes us so proud that we had that many players in the national team. Players are desperate to play for their nation. I know how important it is to them. We are fully supportive of that and when we can do it, we do it."
  • The Gunners boss says Noni Madueke's injury "is not bad", Eberechi Eze will be out for an unknown period of time, while Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber are "in contention to be in the squad".
  • Arteta said his Premier League manager of the month award, which he won after a 100% record in March, is "a reflection of what the team is doing – the amount of performances and games that we are winning".
  • After Kepa Arrizabalaga's mistakes in the Carabao Cup final, Arteta would not be drawn on who would start in goal against Southampton, responding: "Tomorrow, the goalkeeper is going to be European. He is under 32. Right-footed. And he speaks at least two languages."
  • On FA Cup ambitions: "It's a huge competition and very closely related to the history of our football club. We are going to play a team who are in a really good moment. They've won a lot of games recently. We are ready for them and we want to go to Wembley again. We will be ready for that."
  • He added: "It is the magic of the FA Cup that every scenario, every context has a history. This is a special game."

Listen to full commentary of Southampton v Arsenal on Saturday at 20:00 BST on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds

You can also watch live on the BBC and found out how to follow all of the action here

Follow all of Friday’s FA Cup news conferences and the rest of the day’s football news

Got a question about Arsenal? Get in touch here and we’ll seek answers from our experts

Ask Me Anything green banner
[BBC]

Original Article

You may also like

Leave a Comment