Arteta Calls for Full Focus on West Ham, Delivers Special Message to Arsenal Fans and Players

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed the media ahead of Sunday's London derby against West Ham. The Gunners currently hold a five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table, having played one more game. Furthermore, earlier in the week, the team secured a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, reaching the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years, where they will face current champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Arteta began with an update on the squad: “Everyone came through the Atletico match well. There's nothing new to add. There's no chance Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber will be ready for the weekend. There's a lot of work to be done. Everything needs to go smoothly and quickly if they are to have any chance of playing even a few minutes before the end of the season.”

Regarding the final against PSG, Arteta stated: “That's how it is. We knew that whether we faced Bayern Munich or PSG, a strong opponent awaited us. We know the level they play at, and that's it. But, of course, we are also very confident that when that moment comes, we will perform as we should.”

The Spanish manager was asked about criticism directed at Arsenal players for celebrating excessively after the win against Atletico: “I wasn't aware of that, but you have to respect every opinion and put it where it belongs. That's not important. I suppose there's both positive and negative criticism. It makes you better. You want to set higher standards and perform at levels that help you compete for the two most prestigious competitions in Europe. You have to be prepared for that because it truly makes you better, that's for sure.”

“We spoke immediately after the game with the lads. It's great, what a moment, we deserved it. We have time to prepare for the final, but now we need to direct all our energy and attention towards West Ham, and we made that very clear. A message to the players and fans? Stay in the present, live the moment, prepare, and show the same level of energy, hunger, and desire that we've shown all season, or even more. We are getting closer, and everything we do now will matter in whether we win or not.”

When asked if the next few weeks are the most important of his career, the Arsenal manager replied: “Yes, but that's an 'if,' and if our football doesn't work out, we'll have to make it work. What we will do today, what we have done today, is a fact. That's the most important thing, and tomorrow we will have to do what's necessary to be in the best mood, physically and mentally, to prepare for the battle ahead of us on Sunday.”

Arteta also praised several key players, including Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, Declan Rice, and David Raya.