Mikel Arteta Addresses Squad Fitness, European Away Form, and David Raya’s Progress

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta held a press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against Sporting, scheduled for a 20:00 GMT kick-off. Below are the main points from his briefing: Arteta confirmed that “everyone who is in the squad is fully fit to start the game.” This includes left-back Kieran Tierney, who has rejoined full training following an extended period out due to injury. The manager stated that the team has been “taking the right steps” to enhance their performance in European away matches, acknowledging, however, that the “reality is you have to win games and we didn’t.” He further emphasized: “We need to be ruthless, much more efficient and, when we get in the opposition box, do what we have to do to get three points.” When asked about any concerns regarding their current league standing within the new Champions League format, Arteta responded: “We wanted to be higher but this is the position that we are in right now. We have to face it. We have to play in the way that gives us every chance to win the game and fight to do it as quickly as possible. Tomorrow, we have a great opportunity to do that.” Addressing the team’s difficulties in scoring during European away fixtures, he commented: “We have to show efficiency inside the box at this level with the chances you normally generate in the Champions League is not at the level need to win consistently. Champions League is about boxes, small margins and details. You have to get all of it right to win away from home.” Arteta noted that it “takes time to adapt to a new and huge club” for players such as David Raya. He then added: “He is more confident. He understands his goal and his space in the right way. You can tell he is more composed – he has been brilliant.” Reflecting on the team’s winning streak following the international break last season, Arteta stated: “Yes, it is 32 games until next international break. That tells you they are every three or four days. We are going to need everybody at their best and be well prepared. The team is back having almost a full squad available and I notice the huge difference in training and in the team.” He remarked that it is “difficult to recognise the team two years later” when recalling Arsenal’s previous encounter with Sporting. However, he also observed: “Every team evolves. What Sporting have done has been unbelievable. But we have progressed from two years ago so it will be a good test.”