Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his determination to rally his team after their Champions League dreams were dashed by Bayern Munich. Despite a valiant effort, Arsenal fell short against the German giants, conceding a second-leg defeat that saw them exit the competition with a 3-2 aggregate scoreline.
Following the disappointing result, Arteta emphasized the importance of providing unwavering support to his players. In the aftermath of defeat, he acknowledged the need for empathy and encouragement, recognizing the emotional toll on the squad.
“I wish I had the right words to say to the players to make them feel better,” Arteta remarked. “What I am going to do – and all the coaching staff too – is to be close to the players. I feel so grateful to be the coach and to work with them every single day.”
Despite their Champions League exit, Arteta remained optimistic about Arsenal’s future prospects. He acknowledged the team’s relative inexperience at this stage of the competition, highlighting the significance of their first quarter-final appearance in over a decade.
“We haven’t played this competition for seven years and we haven’t been in this stage for 14 years,” Arteta noted. “There’s a reason for it. We want to do everything fast-forward, super-quick, in one season.”
Arteta emphasized the need for patience and perseverance, recognizing the incremental progress required to compete at the highest level. While disappointed with the outcome, he remained steadfast in his belief in the team’s potential to achieve success.
“What I need to do is stand right next to them and give them support and our love,” Arteta affirmed. “We have to pick it up because on Saturday we have a big, big game. We are still playing for the Premier League.”
As Arsenal shifts focus to their Premier League campaign, Arteta urged his players to channel their disappointment into renewed determination. With crucial league fixtures on the horizon, he emphasized the importance of resilience and unity in pursuit of their domestic aspirations.