Mikel Arteta’s Key Remarks Ahead of Chelsea Clash | Press Conference

Mikel Arteta is preparing his team for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea. The match will take place at Stamford Bridge, and Arteta recently addressed the media at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. He focused on Chelsea’s new manager, Liam Rosenior, while providing updates about his own squad.

Injury Updates

Arteta provided insights on the availability of several players:

• Players unavailable: Hincapie and Calafiori are not available for selection at this time.
• Doubts: Willie Saliba and Leo Trossard are both doubtful for the Chelsea clash.
• Progress: Calafiori is improving, but his return timeline remains uncertain.
• Other injuries: Max Dowman and Cristhian Mosquera are recovering but not yet training.

Preparation for Chelsea

Arteta expressed optimism about the upcoming match. He praised Kai Havertz’s return to form, noting his confidence and connection with teammates. He emphasized the need to manage Havertz’s minutes carefully.

Learning from the Past

Reflecting on last year’s semi-final, Arteta believes the team must capitalize on their experiences to succeed this time. “Football gives you another chance,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of efficiency in capitalizing on scoring opportunities.

Facing Liam Rosenior

Arteta acknowledged the achievements of Chelsea’s new manager, Liam Rosenior, highlighting their previous encounter in the 2014 FA Cup Final. He commended Rosenior’s coaching abilities and wished him success—except for the impending fixture against his own team.

Strategic Outlook

As the match nears, Arteta stressed the significance of advancing deeper into the Carabao Cup. He believes that participating in high-stakes matches boosts team morale and energy.

Team Selection Philosophy

Arteta discussed his approach to team selection, emphasizing the need for players to be available to compete in all competitions. “We aim to put forth our best players at every opportunity,” he said.

The Goal Ahead

With two games standing between his team and a potential final, Arteta remains clear about the objectives. He understands the challenges ahead, particularly given Chelsea’s strengths. “We must be better than our opposition,” he asserted. The team’s motivation is palpable as they prepare for this crucial match.

As Arteta strives to lead his team to victory, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge for this highly anticipated clash with Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.