Arteta praises Girona’s rise ahead of crucial clash
Mikel Arteta spoke to the media at Montilivi, emphasising the importance of Arsenal’s upcoming match, where a single point will secure their place in the Champions League last-16.
Despite this, the Spanish coach made it clear that his objective is to take all three points. “We are here to win. Girona are a strong team and have made life difficult for all their opponents, but we want to ensure qualification,” he stated.
Reflecting on Arsenal’s progress under his leadership, Arteta expressed his ambition to push the team further after two seasons of near-title success. “We dream, we have ambition, and we will give everything to achieve it. We have come close to major trophies in the past two years, and now it’s time to take the next step,” he added.
Arteta also had high praise for Girona’s style of play and institutional growth. “I have watched all their group-stage matches, and they have a coach and a team that I love watching. They have been competitive, and due to small details, they haven’t always got the results they deserved. But this is their last game, and they will want to finish well.”
He further commended the club’s remarkable rise: “Girona’s story is beautiful. Everything they have done and the way they have done it is admirable. They have won people over and shown clubs everywhere that, with vision and ambition, great things can be achieved.”