Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has revealed his efforts to instill mental strength in his players ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.
The Gunners head into the clash at the Santiago Bernabéu with a 3-0 lead over the 15-time European champions.
While Real Madrid are renowned for staging stunning comebacks at home, Arteta said he is actively trying to shield his squad from that narrative.
“We have tried to repeat the opposite message,” Arteta told a news conference on Tuesday.
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“In the brain of the players, what they have done in the last 72 hours is something completely different.”
Mindset key to ending semi-final drought
Arteta noted that mindset will be crucial as Arsenal seek to reach their first Champions League semi-final since 2009.
While he refused to use the word “fear” when speaking of Real Madrid, he acknowledged their elite status and historical success in Europe.
“I wouldn’t use that word… I think (we have) respect and admiration for what they’ve done in the competition,” Arteta said.
“Unbelievable, amazing, and an inspiration for the coach, the manager, and the team.”
Ready for the Bernabéu atmosphere
Arteta expressed confidence that his team is ready for the intensity and pressure that comes with playing at the Bernabéu.
“We have to be convinced that we can handle any situation, and we’re going to enjoy actually playing any kind of game that comes tomorrow.”
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya echoed his manager’s confidence, stating the team’s intention is not just to hold on to their lead, but to take the game to Madrid.
“We are here to write our own history. That is what we want to do and that is what we want to achieve tomorrow,” Raya said.
“The intention is to win the game. We know how we played in the first game, and we have to do the same again.”
Arteta provided injury update, confirming that Thomas Partey and Ben White are fit and available for selection. However, Jorginho will miss the crucial encounter due to injury.
