Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are gearing up for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, and the manager is rallying his troops. In a recent interview, Arteta emphasized the importance of attacking the final with both his players and the fans, creating a united front to challenge City for the trophy.
The pressure is on for Arsenal, who have not won a major trophy in almost six years. Arteta acknowledges the weight of this moment, stating, 'When you have been in this position and [gone] years without winning a trophy, it adds more necessity and drive because you really want it.' This desire, he believes, is something the team has been cultivating.
The absence of fans at Wembley during the 2020 FA Cup victory due to the pandemic adds a layer of motivation this time around. Arteta encourages the fans to be a driving force, saying, 'Be with us, push for every ball, for every action. Show how much we really want it and together attack the final.'
Despite the high stakes, Arteta maintains a focused and present-minded approach, avoiding discussions about a potential 'glorious era' for Arsenal. He emphasizes the importance of taking it one game at a time, stating, 'You live the moment and the present ... that’s the only focus that you can put in.'
The manager's strategy extends to his goalkeeper selection, with David Raya as his primary choice and Kepa Arrizabalaga as a backup. The availability of key players like Martin Ødegaard and Jurriën Timber remains uncertain, with Arteta awaiting the outcome of a final training session.
Arteta's relationship with City manager Pep Guardiola is also a topic of interest. Despite their professional rivalry, Arteta expresses gratitude for Guardiola's influence, stating, 'The feelings from my side hasn’t changed at all.' The two managers, he notes, are focused on their respective clubs, with their relationship centered around the inspiration Guardiola provided during their time together.
