What did Coach Arteta say when Arsenal faces Leverkusen in the Champions League?

Coach Mikel Arteta shared his thoughts after the Champions League Round of 16 draw, which paired Arsenal with Bayer Leverkusen.

Mikel Arteta gave candid and determined remarks after the Champions League Round of 16 draw, as Arsenal are set to face Bayer Leverkusen – the 2024 Bundesliga champions who recently overcame Olympiacos in the play-off round.

Speaking about the upcoming challenge, Arteta expressed excitement: “We are very excited to compete in the next round. The whole team earned a favorable position thanks to our performances in the group stage. That is a deserved reward for the efforts we have made so far.”

He emphasized that topping the group will only be meaningful if Arsenal maintain focus and thorough preparation: “Now we need to start analyzing the opponent, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and find ways to perform better to try to progress.”

According to the schedule, Arsenal will play away at the BayArena in the first leg before returning to the Emirates Stadium for the second leg. With the season entering a decisive phase and the team competing on multiple fronts, Arteta maintains the view of taking it step by step.

He stated: “We are genuinely very excited. Competing on multiple fronts and the way the whole team is performing gives us a lot of hope and positive thinking. But we can only focus on the present. Our energy must be directed toward the next match.

I am focused on what we need to do to continue our current trajectory as a collective. Of course, we will strive to improve and go as far as possible.”

Arsenal are rated by Opta as the top contender for the Champions League title this season, but it will not be easy. Currently, the Gunners are also fully committed to the Premier League, with Arteta and his squad determined to win the championship. Therefore, competing in multiple competitions will significantly impact the team's operations.