Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Sunday’s Premier League game against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 16:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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On the passing of former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger on Thursday: “Some very sad news so we want to send Alex, his family, and everybody that was part of his journey in his life our condolences and our love obviously because it was shocking news and difficult to take.”
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Team news: “Bukayo Saka is out, that is for sure. The rest, let’s see. Noni Madueke didn’t look that bad after the game, he is quite positive and pushes through pain so I’m hopeful that he can be available”
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Arteta did not commit on the likes of Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafior, stating: “Some players are quite close so we will try tomorrow to push everybody.”
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Discussing Arsenal’s injury situation heading into the Manchester City match, Mikel Arteta said: “We have coped with it all season. If you look back at the stages and players we have missed for big, big periods and where we are? It is not normal where we are. But we have coped with that because of our mentality and the solutions that we find, the way the players have stepped up and we are where we are. We are still very strong and remain the same way.”
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On reaching the Champions League semi-final again: “It was a great night, it really gives us a boost. To be part of the best European clubs is a big thing and we haven’t been there often. We value that and huge credit to the players for what they have done. We have to use that fuel and that energy for Sunday for the big game that we have to play.”
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On facing Manchester City: “We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging and with the opportunity to win and to win on Sunday, arguably against the best team and the best manager that this league has ever seen. That’s a huge privilege and we cannot wait to play the game. We are going to prepare the game to win it. We are not going to spend one second talking about [a draw], we prepare every game to win and that’s why we are where we are. We are going to continue to do the same.”
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Arteta was full of praise for departing Man City captain Bernardo Silva: “Incredible player and incredible person as well. The first time I watched him live was a PSG-Monaco [game] and straight away I fell in love with him, not only the way he plays, the way he competes, the way he lifts the game. The desire, the hunger that he has and then obviously we spent four years together. He’s a top guy, you see him in any circumstances and he delivers his very best. One of those players that I think has marked his history in the Premier League.”
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Arteta said he wasn’t sure if Martin Zubimendi was struggling mentally with a perceived drop in form but stressed it was the club’s “responsibility” to give players the tools to “understand when they are not at their best”, adding Zubimendi did in his most recent outing.
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Arteta was asked about starting teenager Max Dowman and said: “He will be ready. You throw him in in any contest this kid, you know what he is going to be delivering and he has shown that this season in whatever game we have used him.”
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On Pep Guardiola saying the title race is over if Arsenal win: “There are six games to go. Obviously it is a really important one for both teams. But winning a game in the Premier League is so tough for everybody so after this one there will still be some very difficult matches for all of us and we will have to wait and continue whatever happens.”
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[BBC]
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