Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is staying confident. Even though Arsenal lost 1-0 to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final, Arteta believes his team can turn things around in the second leg in Paris. He is asking his players to stay strong, stay focused, and play with full energy.
Arteta belief in the team:
Arteta advised his team to transform their “rage, anger, frustration” into motivation for their match against PSG afterward Bournemouth’s defeat. Arteta pointed out that the players should transform their fury and anger into Wednesday’s big game in Paris to secure victory and qualify for the final. The manager dismissed worries about mental stress since he believes his squad has prepared themselves properly for the upcoming challenge. Arteta also said he is not worried about the players feeling tired mentally. He believes they are ready and strong. He wants them to believe they can beat PSG and make history.
Arteta about facing the challenge:
Arsenal will have to score at least one goal to stay alive in the tie. PSG took the lead early in the first leg with a goal from Ousmane Dembele. Arsenal had chances but couldn’t finish them. Arteta knows the team needs to be better and sharper in the second leg. He said, “We need to do something special in Paris. We can do it. We are good enough.” He is also not planning to rest players before the big match. He wants to keep the team in rhythm and playing together. Arteta believes in using the best team possible, not saving players for later.
Tactical decisions for Arteta:
The match success of Arsenal depends on their ability to play smart football. The strength of PSG in both defense and attack requires Arsenal to maintain defensive stability and take on their offensive opportunities. The club will heavily rely on Saka as well as Ødegaard and Rice for success. The defensive leadership of William Saliba and Gabriel must continuously maintain their attention on Ousmane Dembele and additional PSG attackers. Arteta will build his team strategy by maintaining ball possession while pressing opponents through wider positions. He wants his players to believe in the plan and give everything on the pitch.
PSG recent form:
PSG enters the semi-final second leg at the Parc des Princes with a 1-0 advantage thanks to Dembélé’s first-leg goal. But, they have suffered a 2-1 defeat to Strasbourg in Ligue 1, ahead of the Arsenal clash. Despite the defeat, PSG had already won the league title but now face back-to-back losses after also falling to Nice.
Author’s opinion:
Mikel Arteta showcases positive leadership which enables his team to fight back in Paris. It shows the leadership and trust in his team that he has built. Arsenal has developed significantly under his leadership while showing their ability to stay competitive until the end. A PSG victory in Paris will require a great deal of effort. Through its players and strategies and unwavering belief Arsenal proves ready to achieve a victory in Paris. A combination of defensive strength and striking success can creates real opportunities for Arsenal to advance to the Champions League final. The team now has the chance to display their rightful position by leading the European levels.
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