Arteta previews Crystal Palace

  • Team Selection and Availability: Coach Mikel Arteta confirmed that Zinchenko and Cury will not be available for the upcoming match, and decisions regarding the squad will be made closer to game time due to the significance of the quarterfinal match.

  • Importance of Winning Trophies: The coach expressed a strong desire for Arsenal to win more major trophies, acknowledging the pressure that comes with being at a big club and emphasizing the need for success beyond just the Charity Shield.

  • Upcoming Match Challenges: He anticipates a tough game against Crystal Palace, highlighting their recent improvements and the added difficulty of facing the same team twice in quick succession.

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Team Availability and Strategy

  • The coach confirmed that some players, including Zinchenko and Cury, are not available for the upcoming match.

  • Decisions regarding team selection will be made closer to the match, considering the importance of the quarterfinal in the competition.

Importance of Winning Trophies

  • The coach emphasized the significance of winning more trophies, noting that while they have secured some titles, they aim for major ones.

  • He acknowledged the pressure that comes with being at a big club like Arsenal, where winning is expected.

Performance Analysis

  • The coach expressed confidence in the squad's ability to improve their goal-scoring capabilities and mentioned that frustrations arise when dominating games but failing to convert chances.

  • He addressed criticisms regarding reliance on certain players for goals, indicating that narratives can shift based on recent performances.

Upcoming Match against Crystal Palace

  • The coach anticipated a challenging game against Crystal Palace, highlighting their improved form and quality.

  • He noted that facing the same team twice in quick succession adds complexity to their preparation.

Mental Aspects and Team Morale

  • The discussion included the mental challenges players face in crucial moments during matches.

  • The coach believes that winning smaller trophies like the League Cup can build momentum and confidence within the team.

Reflections on Five Years at Arsenal

  • As he approaches his five-year anniversary with Arsenal, he reflected on his journey with the club but indicated that he does not plan any formal celebrations.

Overall, the press conference focused on team readiness, strategies for upcoming matches, and reflections on past performances while maintaining a forward-looking perspective on achieving success.