Mikel Arteta stated he believes Arsenal belong at Europe’s high desk, however urged his workforce to show their Champions League credentials in opposition to Bayer Leverkusen.
Arteta has overseen the Gunners’ first knockout stage win in 14 years and their first semifinal look in 16 years over the previous two seasons.
Arsenal received all eight of their league part matches and are favourites to progress to the latter phases as soon as extra with Leverkusen, Bundesliga champions in 2023-24, at the moment in sixth place within the desk.
Asked if Arsenal had established themselves alongside Europe’s finest, Arteta stated: “I believe so. This is football and you have to show it tomorrow night.
“I do know that it’s a must to be so clear what the sport goes to demand. You have to carry out on the day. Champions League is in regards to the day. Within that day, there are moments and it’s a must to be higher than the opponent.
“The players certainly have more experience in the competition. When I joined, a big part of the team had never played in this competition. That’s obviously something that is necessary, like in any other competition. They understand it better. Now we have to perform.”
Arteta confirmed that William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi are all accessible to play in opposition to Leverkusen. Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori are doubts after each have been pressured off throughout Saturday’s FA Cup fifth spherical win at Mansfield Town, however membership captain Martin Ødegaard is certainly out.
