Mikel Arteta has spoken to the press ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming clash with Liverpool in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopps Reds travels to Emirates Stadium on Saturday night, with four points separating both sides.
The Arsenal boss discussed a number of topics during Thursday’s press conference and gave supporters the latest team news, his thoughts on Liverpool and rumors that the Gunners would move to Sergio Aguero.
Manchester City legend leaves club this summer | Clive Mason / Getty Images
It was recently confirmed by Manchester City that the Argentine would leave the club this summer, and since that announcement he has been linked with a number of clubs, including the Gunners.
If he were to pick up the phone to try to persuade his former colleague to move down to London, Arteta said: “No, no. We’ll see what happens to him in the future.”
Pep Guardiola’s former assistant continued to share his thoughts on Aguero’s imminent departure and the impact he has had at the Etihad Stadium since his arrival in 2011.
“First of all, I think everyone who has been close to Sergio would say the same thing. I think he was probably the main face, or one of the three main faces, who has lifted that project.
“You need some leadership, you need some quality and you need players to create moments when you start building a project like they did. Sergio is probably the biggest face of the project.
“It’s not just how he plays, it’s his personality, his charisma, how he is loved by everyone at that club. It’s sad to see someone leave like him, but I think with what he’s done he will be there. in their history. “
Bukayo Saka has been one of the Gunners outstanding players this season Pool / Getty Images
Mikel Arteta also gave an update on his squad’s condition, with many of his players having traveled for international service since their recent Premier League outing. Here is what the 38-year-old had to say:
“There’s still a lot I have not seen yet. We will see them this afternoon and judge the squad tomorrow, see how everyone feels and make some decisions. But so far no big news.”
On specific questions about Bukayo Saka’s condition, Arteta provided the following update: “He has not trained with the team yet. He has done some individual work. Unfortunately we had to pull him out of England’s squad. He feels better, but he has not trained with the team yet. “
Emile Smith Rowe failed a fitness test ahead of England Under-21’s final group game against Croatia and before Saturday’s match against Liverpool, Arteta revealed that the player is suffering from some discomfort in the hip area. Here is what he had to say:
“He has some discomfort in his hip and that’s why they decided to keep him out. We will see today how he gets here, we will talk to the doctors and physiotherapists and see if he is available for training tomorrow.”
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have struggled to reach the heights last season | Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
The reigning Premier League champions, at least for the time being, have received a lot of criticism this season and before Saturday’s match, Arteta was asked what he puts their fighters on.
“I do not know, it is not me who analyzes what has gone wrong for them. I can talk about what they have done and what they still produce and the statistics will support it. They are, if not the best, the next best thing. the team in each department that we coaches have to analyze.
“But then this is football, the ball must be in that net and the last action must give a moment to win a football match. Then you have some individuals who dictate the quality of your team. Sometimes you can not predict these things, so I think there are many things. “
