Here is every word from Mikel Arteta’s post-match press conference following Arsenal’s pre-season clash with Real Betis
Mikel Arteta faced the media following Arsenal's pre-season defeat to Real Betis
Mikel Arteta faced the media following Arsenal's pre-season defeat to Real Betis(Image: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta faced the media after his Arsenal side lost at the hands of Real Betis.
The Gunners’ goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, was under scrutiny following two mistakes leading to goals. And despite getting back into the game through Christos Tzolis’ corner being headed in by Piero Hincapie, Kai Havertz’s poor backpass allowed Betis to score a third.
The second half petered out very quickly as major changes were made to the line-up. Plenty of youngsters were given chances, but several players whose futures at the club remain uncertain failed to impress, explaining their limbo status.
The game was played in the backdrop of the transfer window, with Bruno Guimaraes expected to join the club this week. While Vinicius Junior’s contract talks seem to have hit the Gunners with something of a blow, with expectations that he will stay with Real Madrid rising.
Here is every word Mikel Arteta said to the press after the clash:
Reflections on the game?
Well the important part is to win it and we didn't manage to win it so disappointed obviously for the result. It's true we used 25 players, so you need to give a bit of context to the game. In the first half, with more starters, two very different things: how we played and how we competed, because we had some fantastic moments in the time we played.
By the way, we competed especially in and around our box in a number of standards that we are used to so there are things to improve obviously, some positives to take from the game and then a bad result sometimes it's good to create even more fire in the belly.
You've got some senior players, nine senior players waiting to join you for preparations and potentially another top player on the way. What can you tell us about Bruno Guimaraes?
Yeah, we know half of the squad is still not with us. We had four players joining three days ago so we know the context but that's what we have. We have to maximise every day that we are with them.
We put a lot of work into them the last 10 days. Back to London now, we're going to have two games at home before we play the Community Shield so we're ready for that.
But if Bruno is added to the mix, how much of a boost would that be?
I'm not going to talk about any players who aren't Arsenal players.
But when you go in for a player, a top player and negotiations appear to be going well and eventually it happens, how much of a boost is that just generally speaking?
Well, I can tell you at the moment that something happens and we can announce it. I will give you my straight answer.
Obviously Arsenal are a massive club. What does it mean to you as Arsenal manager to bring the Premier League trophy here and see a reaction like that from our supporters?
It was great since yesterday when we landed. The supporters that they've been with us and the atmosphere that they have created in the stadium. Great to experience that and we are very grateful for the energy that they brought.
A lot of young players on show tonight, Caedach O’Neill, who is obviously is exciting a lot of fans here. What have you made of his progression and what do you think he can achieve over the years to come?
I've been really impressed with him. What he says, he's really mature and really focused, and he has a tremendous quality to him.
Last year you signed Christian Norgaard, played an important role in your title and he's now leaving for Everton. What have you got to say about that?
Well, he played a tremendous role for us. When I brought him here I said that he could be our group player. An incredible capacity to bring people together, to keep the standards high. When he played he had some really good moments as well. But I understand that to fulfil that role for a long period is not easy. He had a massive opportunity with a manager and a club that I know really well. We wish him all the best and thank you.
Do you have any update on Louis Copley, who's had quite a serious injury?
Well, probably we're going to have it tomorrow. It doesn't look good, the mechanism is not too positive, the symptoms that he already has either. So let's hope that tomorrow the news are better.
Can you take us inside the dressing room a little bit in a pre-season game when it's been a disappointing first half?
Very upset, given a hard time. They are fuming, but this is good. That's what we need.