Arsenal's coach Mikel Arteta appeared in the press conference hall at San Mamés Stadium upon his arrival in Bilbao, where he discussed tomorrow's match in the first round of the Champions League group stage.

The coach started by talking about the team's condition: "Kai Havertz, Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Odegaard are unavailable for the match, the rest are fine".

He added regarding Arsenal's lack of Champions League titles: "This is the reality and history we have, and it's what we want to change starting now. We want to improve every day, and this is the beginning and the end... it's in our hands. After that, everything is decided by details. It's not that simple to win".

On returning to the Basque Country: "It's been 20 years since I left Real Sociedad in a different role (as a player), and my whole family comes here when we visit the Basque Country. You can feel the football atmosphere from the moment you arrive. I have never visited the new San Mamés Stadium, and I am very excited to experience what it feels like to be in this stadium".

Regarding Pep Guardiola: "He has always been a protector for me. But he would tell me: (You have to fly). He always instilled that confidence in me, that security... to tell me: (You have to go, experience it, and do it. You have to do it at Arsenal). He knew exactly how I felt here".

Concerning Ernesto Valverde's statements that Mikel is one of the best coaches in the world: "I hadn't heard that, and for me, Ernesto is an important reference. He has spent 20 years in this profession, and everywhere he has gone, he has left a mark in two aspects: sporting successes and his human behavior. He does everything with a naturalness that, in my opinion, distinguishes him from many coaches around the world. I am very grateful for what he said".

He concluded regarding Nico Williams and the possibility of his transfer to Arsenal: "I can't say anything about that. I can only confirm that Nico is a great player, and everyone enjoys him here every week and with the national team as well. I can't add more than that."