Declan Rice gave a candid response when asked about the noise surrounding the season after Arsenal reached the last four of the Champions League.
Declan Rice helped Arsenal reach the Champions League semi-finals
“I don’t care what people think,” manager Declan Rice said after Arsenal fought to a goalless draw, which was enough to qualify for the last four of the Champions League.
The Gunners took the lead in the first leg against Sporting Lisbon on a tense night in north London. Arsenal have lost three of their last four games on Wednesday, halving their hopes of winning the trophy. Their recent collapse led to accusations that the team was once again collapsing under pressure.
But Rice insisted that inside the team they are not listening to the outside noise and that the only perspective that matters is from inside the team and from manager Mikel Arteta.
He told TNT Sports: “I’m very happy and I’m really happy. It was a really tough test over two games, but to reach the semi-finals in a row is a great achievement for this group and we want to go one step further and reach the final. We played against Atlético once this year and it was a really good game. We know what to expect so I hope we can do our best over the next few weeks.”
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When asked if it was a frustrating night, he said: “There was no frustration, he was always positive. Who cares what people think? What matters is what this group thinks, what the manager thinks.”
Kai Havertz’s stoppage-time goal in Portugal last week ultimately sealed the tie for the last eight. Despite Arsenal’s free-scoring nature earlier this season, they have struggled to find the back of the goal, but Rice hit back, insisting his side were just there to protect them.
“Of course you want to score goals,” he said. “But most teams that come here play 5-4-1 every time, so there’s a bit of a perspective on that. Every team we play goes from four to five players, so there’s no space. That’s the real truth.”
Just a few days ago, Arsenal players faced a heartbreaking defeat.
Arsenal’s loss to Bournemouth on Saturday opened the door for Manchester City to enter the title race. Arteta’s side continue to fall short despite significant progress in recent seasons, so the team is dealing with pressure to try to end a six-year trophy drought.
Rice has been at the club since 2023 and was part of a team that failed at the end of their debut season, which allowed City to seize the advantage and narrowly clinch the title. All eyes will be on the showdown between the two teams this Sunday at the Etihad.
He said: “In the Premier League you have to win every game. Our results this year have been great in all competitions. I know I’m ready and I know the players are ready too.”
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