Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has warned Mikel Arteta that three European teams—Liverpool, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich—are currently better than his Gunners side, casting doubt on Arsenal’s chances of lifting the Champions League trophy this season.
Arsenal have been among Europe’s standout teams in recent seasons, accumulating an impressive 84 points in the Premier League in 2022-23 and 89 points last term. However, they are still chasing their first league title since 2004, with Manchester City narrowly beating them to the crown last season.
This year, City’s form has dipped under Pep Guardiola, but the competition at the top remains fierce. Liverpool, rejuvenated under new manager Arne Slot, have won 11 of their 14 league games and currently hold a commanding lead at the top of the Premier League. Chelsea, under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, have also been resurgent, suffering just two defeats while scoring a league-high 35 goals.
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Gallas believes the intense competition domestically and in Europe should prompt Arsenal to prioritise the Premier League over the Champions League this season.
Arsenal
Former Arsenal defender William Gallas (Image credit: Getty Images)
“Arsenal should focus on the Premier League,” Gallas said in an interview with Prime Casino. “In the Champions League, there are teams better than Arsenal, including Liverpool, Barcelona, and probably Bayern Munich. Winning in Europe will be much harder.”
The Gunners currently sit third in the revamped Champions League group phase after a 3-0 victory over Monaco, but Gallas insists their attention should remain on securing domestic success.
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“This has to be the season for Arsenal,” Gallas added. “Next year, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, and maybe even Manchester United will be stronger. Arsenal have to push themselves to the limit this season and avoid dropping points.”
Arsenal’s recent Premier League form has been inconsistent. After three successive wins appeared to put them back on track, they dropped points in a draw against Fulham and were held to a goalless stalemate by Everton at the Emirates last weekend.
With competition heating up in both domestic and European campaigns, Arteta faces a critical balancing act to keep Arsenal in contention on all fronts.
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