Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued a passionate plea to his squad, urging them to ‘go out and grab it’ in the crucial second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night. With the tie finely balanced at 1-1 from the first leg, Arteta acknowledged the significance of the upcoming match at the Emirates, describing it as a series of mini-games within the larger contest.
The Arsenal manager confirmed that while defender Jurrien Timber will be absent, watching from the stands alongside Mikel Merino, captain Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are both fit and available. Havertz missed the first leg due to injury, and their return significantly boosts Arsenal’s options.
“Yes, they’re all available. Timber is out, but Odegaard and Havertz are available. We’ve increased our options and our ability to play different matches. It’s great news for us that they’re available,” Arteta stated in a press conference on Monday evening. He expressed his eagerness for the match, saying, “I can’t wait. I feel the energy of the team, of everyone… These are the kinds of moments we want to experience together. We’ve earned this position after 20 years. We’re hungry to give it our all tomorrow.”
‘Go Out and Grab It’ – Arteta’s Message for Arsenal
While Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone spoke about the need for his team to manage their emotions, Arteta focused on igniting his own side’s fighting spirit.
“Go and grab it. When you have an opportunity like this, you have to be ready to seize it. The team is going to give it their all from the first minute and make it happen.”
The manager emphasized his desire for his team to leave the pitch without regrets.
“That’s the big word I don’t like on a night like this. It’s about what we want and what we’re willing to do. What makes me believe is what I see every day. These players have given me reasons to believe and trust them, to think it’s possible and we can do it. This is football, and tomorrow we’ll have to prove it in the match.”
Arteta anticipates a game with distinct phases, mirroring the first leg’s dynamic.
“My conversations are about getting the best possible preparation for the match. We know how many different games we’ll be playing tomorrow within the match itself. We have to be ready, prepared. Great quality, great clarity, and commitment are essential.”
Selection Decisions for Arteta
Reflecting on Bukayo Saka’s return to the starting lineup in their recent 3-0 victory over Fulham, Arteta highlighted the importance of his key players’ availability at this stage of the season.
“That’s what you need when you reach this stage of the season. Not only do they have to be available, but we need players who can make a difference, and Bukayo is one of them.”
Another area of selection consideration for Arteta is at left-back, with both Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie now fit and available.
“They are very different, and both have been out for different reasons. We have hardly had both of them available at the same time. Now they are both available and it’s a great option,” he commented. When asked if Myles Lewis-Skelly had made a case for his inclusion, Arteta responded, “It happens to me with Myles and other players. That’s a good thing. Right now, we’re always talking about needing players with great emotional value because that determines everything else. We feel very prepared for tomorrow.”
Arteta on What to Expect from Atletico Madrid
Both Arsenal and Atletico Madrid have indicated an aggressive approach, but the specific starting tactics remain to be seen. Arteta preferred not to speculate.
“We’ll have to see, because I don’t know what their plan is. I think they have the ability to do many things very well. That’s why they’re here. Like in the Madrid match, each team will play the game that best suits them, and we’ll see who’s better.”
Arsenal are scheduled to kick off against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night at 21:00 CEST at the Emirates Stadium. While the Gunners are considered slight favorites, a quiet confidence is reportedly present among the Atletico Madrid supporters.