Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta has stated that he has tried to build a side which keeps a balance on both the mental and physical aspects of the game.
Arteta shared his thoughts ahead of the crucial clash against Manchester United on Sunday in the Premier League.
“Having that balance and having those qualities in the squad is necessary. To have the mentality and capacity to control emotions that is required to play on big stages is very necessary,” Arteta said in a press conference.
“The physical aspect is necessary – without that you cannot compete over 11 months in the conditions in which we work. We have tried to build a team that has everything,” he added.
Arteta is also satisfied with his side’s performance bearing in mind the fact that Arsenal are currently at the top of the table in the Premier League. It must be noted that Arsenal haven’t won the league title since 2004.
“Absolutely, I feel the excitement around the players and our supporters. I’m talking to the boys about what we’re going to experience on Sunday because for us it’s very meaningful, for our fans it’s very meaningful and we are creating a special atmosphere in the stadium and we have to take advantage of that,” he said.
“We haven’t done it in the last many years. To be in the title race, it’s something that we have to show we can do. Words mean nothing, we have to do it on the pitch,” he added.
He also cautioned his side to not repeat the mistakes they made against Manchester United during the 3-1 defeat earlier in the season at the Old Trafford.
“We must also remember the match at Old Trafford earlier in the season. I felt that day we controlled most of the game and I felt we deserved a better result in the end,” he said. “This time we want to show some more discipline, to control the game for 90 minutes and not just small periods. It will be a tough game but we’re ready for it and we are feeling confident.”