Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta said this Wednesday that there were no favorites against Sporting CP in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Europa League and both teams have a tough life ahead of them.
Arteta, who spoke at a press conference ahead of the Lions clash scheduled for Thursday, confirmed that the London side had brought some trained players to Lisbon because they were “sick” but hoped they could recover. during game time.
“We brought a few players, and tomorrow [quinta-feira] will know who is free. Let’s see how they develop. We’re trying to get the players back up so they can play against Sporting. These sacrifices happen. We deal with things as they arise. We hope the players will be in shape to win the game,” he said.
The coach has proven to be well aware of Alvalade’s formation, in which he highlights coach Rubén Amorim’s ideas and the team’s dynamics as strengths, so there are no favorites in this draw in his opinion.
“Sporting’s strength is the coach’s idea, which is very clear. The dynamics of the team is very good. Sporting is a very competitive team and tomorrow we will be ready to face Sporting. Both Arsenal and Sporting have a tough life ahead of them in this game. Teams are very competitive and will want to win. We want to play well and win,” said the manager of the Premier League leader.
Arteta’s source of information is Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira, one of Sporting’s possible opponents this Thursday.
“Fabio Vieira is an option to play. Of course, we talked with him about Sporting. It was the first thing we did. It’s great when we have players who know the country and the opponent. information,” he said.
As for the news that has brought him to the fore to take over the technical command of Real Madrid, Arteta ensures that he is body and soul in the London formation.
“The coaches and players don’t control what comes out in the press, but I can say that I am focused and motivated to work at Arsenal,” he said.
Moments before, Brazilian striker Gabriel Martinelli ensured he was hard at work on and off the pitch, showing he was ready to help the team in any circumstance.
“The most important thing is to help the team, whether it’s goals or assists. I want to help Arsenal. We all bear this responsibility. The coach must decide who plays. I have to help the team.” to leave the bank or not,” he said.
In the match against Sporting, the Brazilian player does not expect comfort and ensures that Arsenal are ready for anything.
Sporting is a high quality team. It does not depend on one player. This is a great team. We are well prepared for this game. [defensiva] from five players. Sporting should also worry about us, because we also have a great team,” he stressed.
Sporting CP and Arsenal will play on Thursday, starting at 17:45, at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon in the first leg of the 1/8 finals of the Europa League, which will be refereed by the German Tobias Stieler.