Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Tuesday’s Champions League game at Sporting (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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Arteta confirmed that “everyone who is in the squad is fully fit to start the game”, including left-back Kieran Tierney who has returned to full training after a long injury lay-off.
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He said they have been “taking the right steps” to improve their away form in Europe, but the “reality is you have to win games and we didn’t”. He addded: ” We need to be ruthless, much more efficient and, when we get in the opposition box, do what we have to do to get three points.”
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On if he is concerned about their league position in the new Champions League format: “We wanted to be higher but this is the position that we are in right now. We have to face it. We have to play in the way that gives us every chance to win the game and fight to do it as quickly as possible. Tomorrow, we have a great opportunity to do that.”
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On struggling to score in games away from home in Europe: “We have to show efficiency inside the box at this level with the chances you normally generate in the Champions League is not at the level need to win consistently. Champions League is about boxes, small margins and details. You have to get all of it right to win away from home.”
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Arteta said it “takes time to adapt to a new and huge club” for players like David Raya, but added: “He is more confident. He understands his goal and his space in the right way. You can tell he is more composed – he has been brilliant.”
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On going on a winning run after the international break last season: “Yes, it is 32 games until next international break. That tells you they are every three or four days. We are going to need everybody at their best and be well prepared. The team is back having almost a full squad available and I notice the huge difference in training and in the team.”
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He said it is “difficult to recognise the team two years later” after looking back on Arsenal’s last match against Sporting, but added: “Every team evolves. What Sporting have done has been unbelievable. But we have progressed from two years ago so it will be a good test.”
