Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sent an emotional message to his players on the eve of Tuesday night’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaks to the media ahead of the Champions League semi-final match against Atletico
Mikel Arteta is ready to unleash Arsenal’s wild ‘beast’ and urged his players to ‘seize the moment’.
The Gunners face Atletico Madrid at the Emirates on Tuesday night, but Arteta will be hoping to create an unforgettable atmosphere to lead Arsenal to their first Champions League final in 20 years.
Arsenal manager Arteta said: “We’re going to prepare the game, the team, the best we can, go into the game like a beast, enjoy the moment and give it our all.”
“Let’s go get it. Having an opportunity like that in front of us means we’re ready to make it happen. And the team is going to go get it from the first moment.”
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“So excited. Really hungry. It’s hard to express the desire to live in the moment, especially for our people right in front of us.”
“They’ve been waiting a long time to have a night like this. Good luck tomorrow, because great things are going to happen.”
“What I had in mind for this club is that I can never promise to win big trophies, but I can promise that I will work every day with vision, implement ideas and decisions, and work with determination to make this club one of the best in Europe.
“We are here. Now we have to take the next step. How difficult is it to be in the position that we are in? And our history speaks for itself.
Arteta confirms Havertz is fit to be in Arsenal’s squad for the match against Atletico (Image: (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))
“And all the teams and the level of competition are showing us every day that being here deserves a lot of credit for everyone involved in it. And obviously we know where we want to be.”
Arsenal unveiled a giant Tifo banner before kick-off as they prepare for back-to-back Champions League semi-finals for the first time in their history, hoping to do one better than last year to reach their first final since 2006 in hopes of winning their first trophy.
The Gunners are boosted by the fact that Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are both fit for the match against Atletico, but doubts remain as to whether Julian Timber will be able to play again this season due to a groin problem.
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Arsenal have progressed to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League and will host Atletico Madrid in the second leg on May 5th. Fans can watch the game for free with an Amazon Prime subscription or 30-day trial.
