Arsenal took command of the Champions League quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday night in Portugal thanks to a late goal from Kai Havertz.
Riccardo Calafioli admits it was one of the toughest two weeks of his career (Image: 2026 Sports Press Photo)
Riccardo Calafioli says Arsenal are feeling like themselves again after the toughest two weeks of his career.
The Gunners got their season ‘back on track’ with an impressive Champions League win at Sporting Lisbon and now have a huge chance of reaching back-to-back semi-finals for the first time in their history. But that was due to Arsenal’s two worst games of the season, losing to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and then being eliminated in the FA Cup against Southampton.
On top of that, Calafioli suffered a heartbreaking loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties and a World Cup playoff loss to Italy. Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third year in a row, but Calafiori is determined to finish this season in glory with Arsenal.
Calafioli admitted he was feeling down after the back-to-back defeats, but the win at Sporting restored his confidence and belief and set him up for the title with a crucial game against Bournemouth on Saturday.
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Arsenal defender Calafioli said: “Winning is the best way to get back on track. It was a clear statement of our identity. We probably lost a little bit in the last few games.”
“But we came back the way we like. I recognize my team again, you know, it’s a great game to come back and we can enjoy it now, but we’re already thinking about Saturday. We’re happy.”
“I know the last few weeks have been tough, but that’s the beauty of football. I’m 100 percent better now. It’s this chance to play in three days instead of just sitting at home and thinking about it.”
Victor Gokeres returned to his old club and won for Arsenal.
Calafioli even admitted that his heartbreak with the national team may have given him even more determination to help Arsenal win trophies.
“Yeah, maybe. In a way, maybe,” he said. “But like I say, I’m still really disappointed and sad. Of course I’m really disappointed, but I’ve got a lot to play for Arsenal and I’m really enjoying it.”
Calafioli also said Arsenal’s mentality had been questioned after the two setbacks, making them even more determined to prove some doubters wrong.
They looked fired up in Lisbon and their 1-0 win over Sporting made them clear favorites for a place in the semi-finals next Wednesday at the Emirates.
Arsenal also have a chance to go 12 points clear at the top of the table if they beat Bournemouth on Saturday, as they play 24 hours before Manchester City play Chelsea.
This game means a lot to Arsenal, but it was a nerve-wracking affair before Sporting’s win, but they should now have a little more confidence.
Calafioli added: “I don’t really think about what people say. I just know that they love to talk about us. It’s a huge club with a lot of history so obviously they like to talk about us, but that doesn’t change anything for me.”
“Every game is really important from now until the end of April and hopefully the end of May. “The game against Bournemouth will be completely different.
“We play at our own stadium, at home, we know how to play in the Premier League and now we have to rest and think again about Saturday.”
Kai Havertz celebrates his goal against Sporting Lisbon (Image: Getty Images)
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Calafioli laughed at the strange training method used by Arsenal before the game against Sporting. They were filmed holding pens and dribbling the ball between their heads.
Asked if he had ever done such a warm-up for a Champions League match before, he added: “It was my first time! We’re always learning new things.”
“I think it was about chemistry and focusing on a lot of things at the same time and having chemistry with your teammates.”
Meanwhile, Calafioli says David Raya, one of Lisbon’s heroes, is one of the best players in the business and helps the defenders feel “really safe”.
He added: “We have a good relationship with him and I think he will help us until the end of the season. He has already played a lot of games and I feel really secure with him. I think his reflexes are incredible, both with his feet and in goal.”
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