PRESS CONFERENCE 🚨 — Mikel Arteta previews Everton game — Premier League

[0:00] Can I talk quads? [0:02] Squads, you said. [0:04] Quads? [0:05] Ah, quads. [0:07] Without the S. [0:08] I get it. [0:10] One of the squad is missing because of a quad. [0:15] What's the latest on him? [0:17] He's got another MRI this afternoon [0:19] because he had quite a lot of fluid in the area, [0:21] so it was difficult to understand the extent of the injury, [0:26] but we will know more probably tomorrow. [0:29] From the early indications taken on board what you said, [0:32] there's obviously a vast difference between a grade one and a grade three. [0:37] Which one is it erring towards, do you think? [0:40] Serious or not? [0:41] Again, we need a few more scans and opinions from the specialists. [0:46] Obviously, when a player has to walk off the pitch, [0:49] he's struggling to walk without any pain, [0:51] he's restricted to movement, there are no good signs. [0:54] So, again, let's be a little bit patient [0:57] so we can give a definitive assessment [1:01] and then let you know. [1:02] I don't want you to think that I'm some kind of Arsenal stalker, [1:05] but I saw the car driving into the train. [1:08] Okay. [1:09] He's also got an automatic, so he's not using that left leg. [1:12] Can we read anything into that? [1:13] Well, he's not changing gear either, no? [1:17] I'm happy that he can drive. [1:19] Matt's down then, because obviously that's an option on the right. [1:28] And I'm not just plucking it out of thin air, [1:33] it obviously was March at the Emirates against Everton [1:36] and he burst onto the scene. [1:38] I know he was around before that, but that was when he really made people. [1:41] Are you romantic with Everton? [1:44] Probably a good time to play. [1:46] Well, there is something inevitable. [1:49] It's to go back to that memory and the feeling of the moment. [1:56] And that's with us. [1:58] And I've stayed in that stadium for a long, long time, I think. [2:02] And yeah, he's training and every time he's got a moment to play, [2:06] he's showing that he's a player that is going to impact the game. [2:09] So, for sure, he's going to have minutes. [2:11] It would be a lovely episode of a soap opera, wouldn't it? [2:14] A fairy story if he started his first game of the Emirates season, [2:19] where he scored back in March. [2:21] It would be a great story, yeah. [2:23] If we win the game especially. [2:24] EBS obviously is going to be more important as well if Mikayo is out. [2:28] Who is that? [2:30] EBS. [2:31] EBS. [2:32] They're all important. [2:33] We know and I'm extremely happy how EBS reacted to the previous game [2:39] and the impact they had in the team and the performance that he put in. [2:42] With Declan the other night, does that start them? [2:55] Yeah, but it goes for the midfielders as well. [2:58] Martin has already scored a few goals. [3:00] Bruno has done the same. [3:01] Declan has done the same. [3:02] So, that's what we need in relation to the position they play on the day. [3:06] That they have that license and especially that aggression [3:09] to penetrate and to damage the position. [3:12] I saw that Durian on his 100 appearances, [3:15] his shirt on the back and the rest potentially 200 of them. [3:22] Yeah, it's a contribution between the two of them. [3:30] And we are really lucky to have them both. [3:33] I think the way they both started the season is really, really positive. [3:37] They've given us so much. [3:39] And, yeah, it's good numbers for them. [3:42] And recently you referred to as the Don Premier, the boss, the king of Arsenal. [3:48] But where do you stand? [3:53] Is he the real? [3:56] A hundred percent. [4:00] I don't know if he's the king or what it is. [4:03] But he's certainly someone that I think we all look up to him. [4:08] Not only for his longevity, I think for what he represents for the game, [4:14] what he represents for the Premier League. [4:16] And, yeah, his trajectory and me especially because I know. [4:21] And I know the man behind the coach, which is the most important thing. [4:25] And then I really know as well the coach. [4:27] He's a coach and he's a superb coach. [4:30] Anita, Premier League. [4:32] Hi. [4:33] What Gary was saying, Matt, get an idea of awarding. [4:39] Awarding is if you see them go on. [4:59] Extremely fulfilling because when you as well personally have had this experience [5:04] and this trust or belief by somebody, it's exactly what you need. [5:08] But actually then you have to go out on the pitch and perform [5:11] and prove that you belong to that level. [5:14] And against Bayern, I really like the way Miles came in. [5:18] I think the composure, the presence and the way he helped the team to establish [5:23] in the final thirds and play with so much personality. [5:26] It's another big step. [5:27] Just with the phrase finishes. [5:31] Arsenal have a substitute position. [5:43] If or? [5:51] Yeah. [5:52] We have really good options because they are with the right mindset. [5:55] And I'm extremely proud of all that, of the chemistry. [5:58] I think the desire that we have created on the players that are starting [6:02] and the players that are going to be critical to finish the game. [6:05] And we had another big example there with Epps that he could have been really upset. [6:10] And I'm certain that he was because he was substituted the other way around after 45 minutes. [6:15] But then he was ready to come immediately and have a huge impact on the team. [6:20] And that's exactly what you need. [6:21] Otherwise, you have a bench and they can be as good as you want. [6:25] But they want to give you what you need. [6:27] Looking at the game against Everton, they just suffered their first defeat. [6:31] What do you feel their biggest impact? [6:34] A lot. [6:36] Because I know David so well, the way he sets the team. [6:39] Obviously, the quality that they have in their organisation. [6:42] And individually, it's not a coincidence that they didn't lose before the last game. [6:47] Because they are a really good team. [6:49] And we know that as well because in recent clash, [6:52] it's always been a really difficult match for us. [6:54] Good luck. [6:55] Thank you. [6:56] Alex Bixi. [6:57] Hi, Mikel. [6:58] Just on Bakayla, are you concerned that he's maybe losing a bit of that robustness [7:01] that you value so highly to be able to play all of these games? [7:06] Well, it's certainly been different in the last year or so. [7:09] And obviously, the demands that we are putting to every player are immense. [7:13] The amount of games, the intensity of those matches, the international competitions. [7:19] The times as well between games are getting narrower. [7:22] So, look at us now. [7:23] We have to play on Sunday afternoon. [7:25] We have to away. [7:26] We have to play on Wednesday evening. [7:27] Then we have to play on Saturday. [7:29] So, you go less than 66, 67 hours between games on top of everything that we are putting. [7:38] Every hour is important. [7:40] If they can support all the demands that we are putting to the players in that sense, [7:44] that will be as well really appreciated from everybody. [7:47] And I'm saying for every team as well because we know what we are demanding to those players. [7:52] How much time has that been for you to manage? [7:55] Is that a newer thing you've had to think about now? [7:57] The schedule and the short turnarounds for players between games and squatters? [8:01] For sure. [8:02] And that's why we have to change them. [8:03] And Bukaya against Lille did at the start of the game because we knew what was happening. [8:07] We have to play three times in less than six days. [8:10] And especially when the games are so demanding until the last minute you are there. [8:15] You're chasing the game. [8:16] You want to win. [8:17] And the necessity is to win every game. [8:19] So, we know that. [8:20] So, we are preparing the players for those scenarios. [8:23] And we do the best that we possibly can. [8:26] How are you? [8:29] Thank you. [8:30] I think Bukaya is still only 25, isn't he? [8:32] And, yeah, he's played a lot for England. [8:36] He's played a lot of seasons. [8:37] Is there a fear that he's ended up being burnt out? [8:42] 32, 33? [8:44] Do you expect someone to win? [8:46] I don't have that feeling at all. [8:50] But, certainly, what we have to be very mindful of is to create the right ecosystem [8:55] around the player to fulfil all his qualities. [8:58] And we really need to understand now, okay, when he comes back, whenever that is, [9:03] how are we going to manage that lot again? [9:05] What is capable today to sustain having an impact on the team? [9:10] Do these impacts, maybe in a way, impact the way that your team plays? [9:15] For example, on Wednesday night, everyone's got an opinion. [9:17] And on Wednesday night, the opinion was Arsenal are a very exciting team to watch. [9:21] The game was Bayern Munich. [9:22] This time last week, many people's opinion was... [9:26] Does it practice to you what people think about it just about winning games? [9:31] No, I think you have to respect every opponent. [9:36] It would be good to be a bit consistent. [9:38] But that's what we face as well. [9:41] I mean, it's understandable. [9:43] It's a game that you are too passionate to [9:46] and you just get the emotion of what you've just seen. [9:49] And it's normal. [9:50] And you just forget what the team has done. [9:53] But I understand that's the level, that's the expectation. [9:56] And our job as well is to create that excitement constantly. [10:00] But the opponent has a lot to do with that [10:02] in relation to how they want to play. [10:04] And that's inevitable. [10:05] But that's on us. [10:07] That's our responsibility as well. [10:09] And we take it. [10:10] We accept that. [10:11] Yeah, I was going to finish by saying that ideally [10:13] you probably want teams to come and have a go at you. [10:16] Probably win the game every week. [10:17] Like Bayern did on Wednesday, [10:18] rather than maybe Everton might do tomorrow. [10:20] Or some teams that have no block and say, [10:22] all right, I'll ask for you. [10:23] But that would depend as well, you know. [10:25] And every team is going to prepare the game to understand [10:27] what is the best way to beat us. [10:28] That's for sure. [10:29] Like we do with the opponent. [10:30] And yeah, if the game changes after 10 minutes, [10:32] when you have an open chance, [10:34] maybe the next 18 minutes are different [10:37] because the context of the game and the results [10:40] has a huge impact on how the teams behave. [10:43] And as I said, always, we need to be prepared to win [10:46] in any context. [10:47] And on top of that, to be as good as possible, [10:50] as enjoyable as possible in every context. [10:53] And that's our job. [10:54] Thank you. [10:55] Thank you. [10:56] I think that's between him and I. [11:13] He knows why I did it. [11:15] And that's it. [11:17] I don't think we're gonna get the best out of him. [11:21] When he's laughing, he's himself. [11:22] He can express. [11:23] I think that we're gonna find the best version of him. [11:26] That's it. [11:27] Last season you spoke about understanding it more. [11:29] Was that a moment where you felt okay, [11:31] you understand what he needed? [11:33] I think it's crucial that we do that. [11:35] At least we are open to that. [11:37] Because the more we connect with our players [11:39] and we know how they are feeling [11:41] and you can create that emotional connection [11:45] between the coaches or whether it's the staff [11:48] or between players, obviously, even more ideal. [11:51] I think that was the best version of yourself come [11:55] and then you feel understood and listen and important. [11:59] And I think that's crucial to get performances. [12:03] And just on emotions, last week you mentioned emotional dominance. [12:07] Owning the moment, it seems like that can rise a lot. [12:10] I've really seen a step there on emotional dominance [12:23] and control of Dek. [12:24] And it's something that I demand him to do [12:26] because I know the presence, I know the charisma [12:28] and I think it's very important to set the bar, [12:31] especially when things are not where we want to, [12:34] but we are still chasing to do that [12:36] and generate that belief and conviction in the team. [12:39] And I think he's done that really, really well. [12:42] Max, stand up. [12:43] You said with Bukayo the number of muscle injuries he's had [12:47] that that's maybe impacted how you've been able to use him. [12:50] Maybe he's had to become a different profile of him. [12:52] Not now. [12:57] I don't know what's going to happen in the future. [13:00] He's been muscles, he's been tendons as well, [13:02] which is something else. [13:03] But that's not with Bukayo, with many other players as well. [13:07] And we discussed that I think last year [13:09] and that's what we need to keep an eye on. [13:11] And how do you sort of get lifted immensely now? [13:13] Because he spoke in the sermon about wanting this to be a fresh start [13:16] and the setbacks for him. [13:17] Today, just thinking how can I help the team? [13:23] I already told them, go in that building and be the first one there [13:26] with a good spirit energy because that's what the team needs. [13:29] If everybody was like, Bukayo, how are you? [13:31] Are you sad? Are you okay? [13:33] He said that's exactly what we don't need. [13:35] It is what it is. [13:36] This is part of our jobs to have this, [13:38] to have sometimes a bad result or defeat a problem. [13:40] We need to deal with that. [13:42] We cannot change that now. [13:43] What we certainly can dominate is the narrative from here [13:46] to the Everton game together with the best energy and spirit [13:49] to go and win the game again. [13:51] Okay, we'll do the last couple in the live section. [13:54] Firstly to Ryan and then to Karam. [13:56] Hi, Mikel. [13:57] Obviously, Martins and Emendies have been back fit for following his recent injury. [14:02] Can you just provide a bit of context on his situation? [14:05] Because it was clear in the summer that you wanted to keep [14:07] because you said that. [14:08] He seems to have just been... [14:10] Yeah, well, he had a few, then he had the injury [14:15] and it's true that he had one game where he was almost fully available [14:19] to play some minutes, not to start the game. [14:21] And from now, he needs to end the right to play. [14:24] I need to find the right games to give them the opportunity. [14:27] And I know when I do that, what his response is going to be. [14:31] But he's been exceptional, whatever the role that he had to assume. [14:36] And I expect that from every player. [14:38] And he's a player that deserves more minutes at the moment. [14:41] And just on Ricardo Calafuri as well, such an important player. [14:45] You've had to protect him at times because he's had a few... [14:48] He's been ready to... [14:54] Yeah, he's ready. [14:57] I think Ricky is in a different place because he had a full preseason as well. [15:00] And he's been available for every match. [15:02] And Piero, he trained with us and is available for tomorrow as well. [15:06] Hi, Michael. [15:07] After the game against Bayern Munich, you were quick to praise your team's mentality. [15:14] And nowadays, within the recent years, it seems like when you go down in matches, [15:19] you always find the strength. [15:20] Could you give us some insight into, over the years, how you managed to build it? [15:28] That's great to the players. [15:29] I think we know what the expectations are. [15:32] We know that we prepare and face each opponent, regardless of who it is, to beat them. [15:38] And that's the objective. [15:40] And that's it. [15:41] And that's the focus. [15:42] And things can happen throughout a game. [15:44] Things that we don't expect. [15:45] Things that we don't like. [15:47] Things that we have to overcome. [15:49] So be it. [15:50] If you want to win a lot of matches, you're going to have to face so many different kinds of situations. [15:55] And I think the team is ready to do that.