Mikel Arteta Provides Updates on Team, Odegaard, and Timber Ahead of Fulham Match

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed the media in advance of the Premier League fixture against Fulham scheduled for Sunday (14:00 GMT kick-off). Below are the main points from his press conference. Regarding team news, Arteta stated, “We have another training session tomorrow so we will see how everybody is for Sunday”. He also mentioned that providing an update on Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori is “too difficult” at present, but further information would be available on Saturday. Addressing Martin Odegaard’s upcoming 100th appearance as captain, Arteta commended the “spirit” the midfielder contributes to the squad, remarking, “Massive player, he showed again in big matches why he can deliver.” Arteta expressed his team’s ambition to be “the kings of everything,” following a recent description of them as “corner kings.” He elaborated, “Best atmosphere and stadium, the best at everything. Before it was we didn’t score enough, we didn’t challenge, we didn’t win big games for 20 years. We want to be the best at everything. The best academy, the best individual development for players. We want to be the best of the best. Recruit the best players, the best coaches, that’s the aim.” Concerning the comparison to Stoke, Arteta commented, “I understood very well what Dimitar Berbatov said. We take it as a big compliment.” When questioned about Declan Rice’s role in taking corners, Arteta responded, “Adapt the player’s abilities to the team’s needs and to how we can exploit the qualities that we have within the squad in the best possible way. It’s all about the players, every tactic, every decision, every position on the pitch is towards that.” Arteta described Jurrien Timber as “really impressive,” further stating, “He’s coming from a long-term injury after his ACL. We knew the talent, the leadership, the skill that he has. He’s been in great form and his impact has been tremendous.” Regarding the upcoming match against Fulham, Arteta noted, “Big challenge, obviously we experienced it last year, we lost five points against them. I was being very complementary about them, about the coach and what they do. It’s always a really tough place to go.” Addressing the prospect of encountering former Arsenal players now with Fulham, Arteta remarked, “Doing very well as well, which I’m very happy for them. Reiss is still one of our own but the rest as well and it will be great to see them. Once they leave you have to leave them to do their own thing. Obviously once in a while we speak to them but very grateful for what they did for us and I wish them the best.”