What Mikel Arteta Said- The Premier League is finally returning after almost three months. Since March, all the leagues across Europe were suspended due to the Coronavirus pandemic.l Even the situation is more dangerous than before, the Football Association in England has decided to resume the season from 17th June.
Arsenal will play against Manchester City at the Etihad on that date, the fixture which was scheduled in March and got postponed. The Gunners boss says, his big guns are ready for the trip to the Etihad.
What Mikel Arteta Said?
“We were in a strong run of results when the football stopped. I was really pleased because we had been able to connect with our fans and develop the strong bond which had been missing at the Emirates for a few months.”
“The supporters felt a certain belief — and were able to trust my ambition to change the situation quickly. There is still a lot of work to do — but we will get there.”
“But now we have a date to restart the Premier League, so let’s finish the season and after that, we can talk about the future.”
More About The Game
The Etihad stadium brings some special memories to Mikel Arteta. He spent two years there as Pep Guardiola’s assistant. In those two seasons, Arteta helped Manchester City to back to back Premier League titles before returning to Arsenal to replace Unai Emery.
“Going back to Manchester City for the first time is going to be a very special day for me — and I am really looking forward to it.
“It will be very strange to be there without any supporters and I do not know what kind of energy will be generated around the stadium.”
“The players are certainly going to be able to hear me better and it is important to motivate them and make sure they have the right energy levels to play like they used to.”
What He Concluded By Saying?
Arsenal has scheduled two warm-up games against Charlton and Brentford ahead of their trip to Manchester City on 17th June. According to their coach, the players are in good shape and training well. During the lockdown, all the players were active in maintaining their fitness on a good level even staying at home. Arteta says the link-ups between him and the players have become stronger during the last three months.
“We have created some strong links during these difficult moments and generated a really good bond between the whole staff, the board members, and everyone around the club.”
“So I think we are in a strong position to restart and I think we are on the right track.”
Arsenal is still chasing Champions League football. Finishing fifth this term will be enough for UCL qualification. This is thanks to Manchester City’s two years ban from Europe. They were in the 14th place in the League table when Arteta took charge. The Gunners have now come a long way.
Sitting at the ninth position and are five points behind Manchester United who is on fifth. The north London giants have a game in hand. Arteta’s men are still on course to qualify for the Champions League next season.
