Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gave an exclusive interview to Sky Sports ahead of the crucial match against Manchester City.
Q: The midweek result means the team has reached the Champions League semi-finals for the second consecutive season, a first in the club's history. There are other impressive statistics this season: the last time Arsenal won this many games in a single season was during the 1970-71 Double-winning campaign, when the team claimed 41 victories, and you've already secured 39 – a record that can be surpassed. Given this, are you somewhat surprised that your achievements haven't been more praised and appreciated?
A: Ultimately, everything needs to be celebrated by lifting a major trophy, and I'm well aware of that. But I feel we've been creating these statistics consistently. If these are achievements this club with a glorious title-winning history has never had before, I hope the championship trophies will follow. We're in the process of pursuing them and are very close. We don't need external recognition; I think we know exactly what we're doing. We want more, and that's what drives us. The past is gone, but we crave more, crave to truly achieve those goals that will make all who care about us incredibly proud.
Q: That's interesting to hear. Do you feel that only by lifting one or both of these two trophies can you feel that the team you've built deserves that recognition?
A: I don't know, because we don't need it. What drives us is winning championships – for ourselves, for our supporters, for the club, for everyone who supports our daily work. That's our goal. When you've given your all, there's nothing to regret, and we're very close to achieving our objective.
Q: You're one of the few who has experienced both sides – I'm referring to your time at Manchester City. To be fair, compared to how Arsenal performed for most of this season, the team may not have shown their best form in the last five matches. Do you remember having similar moments at City but ultimately moving forward and lifting the trophy?
A: Every situation is different. What I experienced there was that in some seasons you win the league title on the final day, like when Vincent Kompany curled the ball into the top corner when no one dared to bet on it, creating a decisive moment; or winning in the last second of a home Premier League match. You need to create that moment, it's about certain crucial instances that can turn things around and make a difference.
Q: Considering the pressure modern players endure and the intensity of competition top clubs like yours face, have moments like the one you're in now become the norm?
A: I think this is exactly the moment we want, one we've earned through hard work and total commitment. So what we need to do now is embrace this opportunity, give it our all, and understand that all the hard work has been for enjoying and delivering the results ahead.
Q: It's interesting to hear you say that. Your captain Declan Rice mentioned midweek that Sunday's match is the ultimate test for him. Do you agree?
A: It will be a game that defines many things, but not everything. I think it defines where we are currently and everything we've done to get here. But this is one of those moments where you truly want to test yourself, to see what you're made of.
Q: If you pass this test, would that amount to making a statement? Could this be a season-defining moment?
A: Without a doubt, winning any match now, whether in the Premier League or Champions League, brings you one step closer to your goal. It boosts morale, makes you believe you're in a stronger position, which means you're closer to achieving what you set out to do.
Q: Going into this match with a six-point lead, does that indicate to you and the outside world that you're now closer to success than the all-conquering Manchester City?
A: We're in the position we want to be in and hope to be in an even stronger position at the end of that match.
Q: It's a difficult position to be in, as you have to shoulder all the responsibility. How do you manage such a moment? I understand you say it's about the next game, but for everyone outside, it means so much more. How do you manage these expectations?
A: Because our situation, our context is different from any other team. When I was at City, they had won the league title in the previous year or two. Or Bayern Munich, if they don't win this year, they'll win next year. Barcelona, Real Madrid... We haven't won the league for 22 years, or the Champions League, never in our history. So there's that desire, that will, and obviously the fact that we've waited so long. So it's different; you can't compare it to any other situation.
Q: I find it fascinating to observe you. You're clearly a winner. You don't like losing. You're passionate, you have desire. Sometimes not everyone possesses these qualities. Does that intense desire of yours sometimes make it difficult for some players to digest or match?
A: I don't ask them to match my way. I think everyone must approach their profession and passion in the right way, in a way that allows them to perform at their best. The only thing we demand is that you bring your best self every day to make us stronger. As for how you do that, it depends on your personality, your character, your experience – you don't need to impose it on others.
Q: Obviously, many people are talking about what happened in the League Cup final, but for me, a notable moment was you standing with your team, watching every second of Manchester City celebrating. You didn't take anyone away. Can you use that emotion? Because that must have been painful. Can you use that anger and pain to your advantage on Sunday?
A: That was undoubtedly a learning moment, and it was painful. But that's also part of sports – in sports, there are wins and losses, and you must respect your opponents. When they perform better, you have to accept it, then you have to do something to change it.
Q: People always talk about you and Pep as well. In the last five Premier League matches, he hasn't been able to get the better of you. Have you now found a way to counter him? Is it time to go all the way?
A: We'll put our ideas, strategies and plans out there. Ultimately, it's up to the players to execute. It will depend on them.
Q: Finally, talk about you and your players. It's been a long season, you've achieved a lot, but it requires physical and mental strength. Sometimes it's normal for these levels to drop, in any field. But is now the time for everyone to dig deeper? To bring something to this club that you've said hasn't been done in 22 years? Do you need to cross that barrier of mental and physical pain?
A: Yes. We've been doing this for months, considering the context we're in and the injury situation. That's why we've been able to get this far. To achieve what we want to do now may require some extra effort, and we're fully prepared.
Q: You've lifted trophies, you've been on that stage. Do you feel like you can almost touch it? Because no one knows better than you how to seize it.
A: Yes. We'll do everything possible to make it happen. Yes, that image is always in my mind.
