Mikel Arteta believes he still has something to prove in Europe.
Mikel Arteta admits he still has a lot to prove as a manager in European competition as he prepares to lead Arsenal into the knockout stages of the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Gunners welcome Lens at the Emirates Stadium knowing that a point will guarantee them a place in the last 16, while a win will guarantee them first place in Group B.
Arteta took Arsenal back into the Champions League after a seven-year absence, although aside from a semi-final appearance in 2020-21, he struggled in Europa League knockout games earlier in his tenure.
When asked if he has anything to prove in Europe, he said, “Certainly.”
“I think it is not that we have to prove, we had to come back into Europe being the club we want to be, have that presence and the results that tell them we are back in a strong way, we haven’t done that yet and it needs to be done.”
While Arsenal is on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stages, Premier League rivals Manchester United and Newcastle are still unsure whether their European campaigns would extend until Christmas this season.
Mikel Arteta believes he still has something to prove in Europe.
When questioned if qualifying should be taken for granted, Arteta said, “100% not.”
“You have to work hard, dig deep, and play well in games to deserve to win them.” We’re up against very tough competition.
“PSV have only lost one game in their league, and that was against us.” Sevilla is a very difficult place to visit, and tomorrow’s game will be extremely challenging, but maybe we can outperform them.
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“I’m enjoying it; it’s a wonderful feeling.” It makes you proud, it makes you feel like the club is at the level it should be at, and we’re competing extremely well, so let’s keep it up.”
With Arsenal on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stages, Arteta may be tempted to shuffle his pack against their Ligue 1 opponents.
Kai Havertz will strive for a starting spot after coming off the bench to score a late winner at Brentford on Saturday, sending Arsenal to the top of the Premier League.
Others will be banging on the door as well, but Fabio Vieira will not be among them.
When asked about a return date, Arteta stated that the midfielder had surgery to repair a nagging groin problem.
“Yes, we’ve got a problem with him,” that’s what he said.
“He’s been in a lot of pain.” We attempted a conservative approach with him.
“It wasn’t improving, so we sent him to see a specialist, who advised him to have a groin operation.” We anticipate him being out for several weeks.
“We don’t expect him to (be back before January). Let’s see how he evolves. The job it was done yesterday so we’ll have to wait and see. It will take weeks I think.”
Vieira joins Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber and Emile Smith Rowe on the sidelines with the potential that the quartet all miss the busy festive schedule.
