Mikel Arteta: Arsenal convened to ‘calm tensions’
Mikel Arteta has disclosed that he convened a meeting with his players to “lower the temperature” and urged Arsenal’s concerned fanbase to “join the fun boat” following their defeat to Manchester United.
Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title suffered a setback after a 3-2 defeat to United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Arteta’s team has garnered only two points from the nine available in their last three matches.
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Nevertheless, Arsenal remains four points ahead at the top of the table, and on Wednesday, they will face Kairat Almaty at home in the Champions League, aiming to maintain their perfect record in Europe thus far. They are also on track to reach the Carabao Cup final and continue their campaign in the FA Cup.
Arteta remarked: “The response since the match against United has been outstanding. We took a moment [on Monday] to lower the temperature, to pause, to reflect, and to pose two questions.
“One was: ‘How do we feel? And how do I feel personally?’ And then: ‘How do we want to experience the next four months?’
“It was incredibly encouraging and uplifting, because what emerged from that [the meeting] is quite straightforward.
“We have earned the right to be in a strong position across four competitions, and in the upcoming four months, we will live and play with joy, with great courage, and with the belief that we will succeed.
“This will be our mindset and where we will focus our energy, and I sincerely hope that everyone connected to this club, particularly our supporters, joins that boat because this is how we intend to live in the next four months, as we deserve to do.”
Arteta emphasized that the meeting with his players on Monday was prearranged.
He added: “We conduct these every three to four weeks. It’s crucial to comprehend the reality versus the perspective, and at times you need to examine things closely and then broaden your view. You must be able to see everything clearly.
“I conveyed to [the players] how talented they are, and how thankful we are to share every single day with them, ensuring that we enjoy it with strong conviction that success is forthcoming because this is our moment and we truly desire it.”
Arsenal has finished as runners-up for the last three seasons and has not claimed the league title in 22 years.
When asked if this history might be affecting the supporters’ mindset—some of whom expressed their discontent with boos at the final whistle after the loss to United—Arteta responded: “It’s a possibility, but we cannot control that. The past must serve as a powerful lesson for the future.
“That’s why I encouraged them to board this boat because it will be enjoyable, as the excitement, conviction, energy, and determination are essential for pursuing a dream. We will give absolutely everything.”
Declan Rice and Mikel Merino will be unavailable for the match against Kairat due to suspension, while the injured Jurriën Timber and William Saliba will also miss out.
