Arteta: We Want to Make History, and the Atmosphere in the Emirates Will Be Our Weapon

The Spanish coach, Mikel Arteta, the head coach of English club Arsenal, spoke about the anticipated clash against Spanish club Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, scheduled to take place on the evening of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Emirates Stadium in London.

Arteta said about Ben White and his potential participation: "Yes, he seems like he will play. We have a training session in the afternoon, and Ben White finished the last match and was in good condition afterward."

Regarding Gabriel's replacement in the starting lineup, he said: "Yes, I have already decided, and everyone will see tomorrow how we will cope with his absence."

On Bukayo Saka's readiness, he stated: "He is in a much better condition; we have gradually increased his minutes, and he has handled that excellently."

He continued discussing the upcoming match against Real Madrid: "It has been 20 years since our last match of this magnitude in the Champions League; this is an opportunity for us to make our own history. Look at the people's reactions; we feel proud and a sense of belonging."

Regarding luck in facing Real Madrid, he said: "We deserve some luck, but we have to earn it ourselves in this tough match."

He commented on the support of fans at the Emirates Stadium, saying: "I encourage everyone not to just attend as fans but to participate with us, to play with us, and to pressure the opponent with all their strength."

On the chances of securing a result in the first leg, he added: "This is just the first leg, and we will clearly attack to win before we go to Santiago Bernabéu."

On Martin Ødegaard, he said: "I think he is a very important player; he embodies the club's values and adds great quality to the team."

On Jurriën Timber, he clarified: "Amazing, perhaps no one realized how good this player was until they saw him; he is a true leader and has suffered a lot due to injury."

Regarding the 2006 match against Real Madrid, he said: "Yes, it is an inspiration; what that generation did is what we aspire to achieve."

On Arsenal's standing in Europe, he confirmed: "We haven't achieved much in Europe, and that is something we need to change."

On the importance of set pieces, he said: "33% of our goals this season have come from set pieces; they can certainly be decisive."

On Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of Real Madrid, Arteta said: "Carlo is an inspiration; his record in the Champions League is amazing. He knows how to help his players win, and his calmness and humanity make a difference."

On Real Madrid stars Mbappé, Vinícius, and Bellingham, he said: "They are all fantastic players; we are fully aware of the danger Real Madrid poses and their great history in the tournament."