Arteta believes Arsenal ranks among Europe’s top teams, but needs to demonstrate it.
Mikel Arteta expressed his belief that Arsenal deserves a place among Europe’s elite, but he emphasized the need for his squad to demonstrate their Champions League capabilities against Bayer Leverkusen.
Under Arteta’s guidance, the Gunners have achieved their first knockout stage victory in 14 years and reached the semifinals for the first time in 16 years over the last two seasons.
Arsenal completed the league phase with a perfect record, winning all eight matches, and are favored to advance to the later rounds again, while Leverkusen, the Bundesliga champions for the 2023-24 season, currently sit in sixth position in the standings.
When asked if Arsenal has positioned themselves among Europe’s top teams, Arteta responded: “I believe so. This is football, and you must demonstrate it tomorrow night.”
“I understand that you need to be very clear about what the game will require. You must perform on the day. The Champions League is about that day. Within that day, there are moments, and you need to be superior to your opponent.”
“The players certainly possess more experience in this competition. When I arrived, a significant portion of the team had never participated in it. That is clearly something essential, as in any other competition. They have a better understanding of it now. We must deliver.”
Arteta confirmed that William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Declan Rice, and Martín Zubimendi are all fit to play against Leverkusen. Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori are uncertain after both had to leave the pitch during Saturday’s FA Cup fifth round victory over Mansfield Town, but club captain Martin Ødegaard is confirmed to be unavailable.
