Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to avoid panic and embrace their identity following recent cup exits as they prepare for a Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon.
Mikel Arteta has called for clarity over panic as Arsenal prepare for their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon.
Following a shock defeat to Southampton and exits from both domestic cups, Arteta emphasized the need for his squad to rediscover their identity.
He urged his players to use the “pain” of recent results to improve and maintain perspective during this crucial period of the season.
Addressing the unusual training footage of players balancing pens between their fingertips, Arteta remained cryptic about the specific rationale.
“I think a training session has to have different elements,” he explained, noting the drills reflect internal commitments.
While Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber remain sidelined until the weekend, the Gunners welcome back Gabriel, Declan Rice, and Leandro Trossard for the vital first-leg encounter in Portugal.