Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Tuesday’s Premier League game against Atletico Madrid at the Emirates (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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Defender Piero Hincapie is available, with Arteta explaining he was not in the squad for the game at Fulham because it “came a bit too quickly for him”.
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Arteta said he “loves the initiative” of his players after a video shared to social media showed William Saliba watching Atletico Madrid on the coach after winning at Craven Cottage: “I’m very pleased because I didn’t encourage it – that came from them.”
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On being favourites to win the Premier League after extending their lead at the top to three points: “The only thing I embrace is when I see the team, the energy, the temperature and the quality that they can deliver. That gives me the conviction that we can go all the way.”
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He said the team has “shown a different kind of maturity” this season, carrying “a threat” and “conviction”.
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However, he accepted Arsenal have to maintain that “for another 30 games”, which is the biggest challenge.
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He said Atletico boss Diego Simeone is someone he looks up to because “he still has that capacity to transmit a willingness to win” after 14 years in charge.
Follow the rest of the day’s football news
Listen to full commentary of Arsenal v Atletico Madrid from 20:00 BST on Tuesday on BBC Radio 5 Live
