Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta held a press conference as the team prepares to face Sunderland in their final match before the November international break. This will mark Arsenal’s first visit to the Stadium of Light in over nine years, stirring anticipation among fans and players alike.
Arteta confirmed that there are no new injuries within the squad, stating, “We remain the same and there’s nobody new that can join the squad, so all the same.” Gabriel Jesus, who has been recovering from injury, is back in training. Arteta expressed optimism about his return, saying, “He’s full of energy… it’s great to have him back.”
When asked about other players, including Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli, Arteta revealed, “I cannot confirm all of that, but you are not far off,” suggesting that while some players may return soon, their exact availability remains uncertain.
Reflecting on Granit Xhaka, who left Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen, Arteta shared his fond memories and the positive impact Xhaka had during his time at the club. “He made me a better coach,” Arteta said, emphasizing the leader’s significance both on and off the field. He noted that Xhaka’s move to Sunderland has been one of the standout signings of the summer, commending Sunderland for their impressive start to the season.
On the subject of Pep Guardiola reaching his 1,000th game as a manager, Arteta lauded him as an inspiration, stating, “It goes down in the history of the very best.” Despite the focus on past glories, Arteta maintained that his priority is the upcoming match, emphasizing the importance of preparedness against a skilled Sunderland side.
Arteta acknowledged the current clean sheet streak, commenting that the emphasis lies on consistent performance rather than recognition. He stressed that every match is crucial for the team’s ambitions, stating, “Three points against Sunderland tomorrow is going to be really tough and we’re going to have to really earn them.”
Regarding the integration of technology in football, Arteta recognized the potential of AI in enhancing performance, indicating that it can provide valuable insights for both individual players and the club as a whole.
As Arsenal gears up for this pivotal match against Sunderland, Arteta’s confidence in his squad, coupled with a strategic mindset focused on improvements, suggests a positive outlook as the team strives for success on the field.