Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said on Wednesday that there were no favorites in the match against Sporting, in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16, and that both teams would have a difficult life.
Arteta, who was speaking at a press conference prior to the meeting with the ‘lions’, scheduled for Thursday, confirmed that the London team brought several conditioned players to Lisbon, because they were “sick”, but that he hopes they can recover in time game.
“We brought some players and tomorrow [quinta-feira] you will know who is available. Let’s see how they evolve. We are trying to get the players to recover and be able to play against Sporting. These casualties happen. We deal with things as they arise. We hope to have the players in shape to win the game, ”he began by saying.
The coach proved to be well acquainted with Alvalade’s formation, in which the ideas of coach Rúben Amorim and the team’s dynamics stand out as strong points, which is why, he considers, there are no favorites in this tie.
“Sporting’s strength is the coach’s idea, which is very clear. The team dynamic is very good. Sporting is a very competitive team and tomorrow we will be ready to face Sporting. Both Arsenal and Sporting will have a difficult time in this match. The teams are very competitive and they will want to win. We want to play well and win the game”, said the coach of the leader of the Premier League.
One source of Arteta’s knowledge is Portuguese midfielder Fábio Vieira, one of the options to face Sporting this Thursday.
“Fábio Vieira is an option for the game. Of course we talked to him about Sporting. It was the first thing we did. It’s great when we have players who know the country and the opponent. He gave us a lot of valid and valuable things.” information, ”he stressed.
Regarding the news that puts him in the front line to take over the technical command of Real Madrid, Arteta guarantees that he is body and soul in the London formation.
“The coaches and the players do not control what comes out in the press, what I can say is that I am focused and motivated to be at Arsenal,” he said.
Moments earlier, Brazilian striker Gabriel Martinelli assured that he is working hard, on and off the field, showing himself available to help the team in any circumstance.
“The most important thing is to help the team, whether it’s scoring goals or assisting. I want to help Arsenal. We all have that responsibility. It’s up to the manager to decide who plays. It’s up to me to help the team.” leave the bench or not,” he said.
Against Sporting, the Brazilian player does not expect any facilities and guarantees that Arsenal is ready for anything.
“Sporting is a team with a lot of quality. It does not depend on a single player. It’s a great team. We prepared well for this match. [defensiva] of five players. Sporting also have to worry about us, because we also have a great team”, he underlined.
Sporting and Arsenal will play on Thursday, starting at 5:45 p.m., at the Estádio José Alvalade, in Lisbon, in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16, which will be refereed by the German Tobias Stieler.
Source: TSF
