After touching down in north-east Spain, Mikel Arteta was whisked to the Estadio Montilivi home of Girona to discuss our Champions League encounter with the journalists present.
He was asked about Myles Lewis-Skelly having his red card rescinded, how strong a team he'll select, our European away form and much more.
Here is everything he had to say:
on Myles Lewis-Skelly having his ban revoked:
We’re very happy that decision has been made and Myles is going to be able to play for us again in the next three games.
on the online abuse directed towards Michael Oliver:
Every time I talk about this topic, regardless of whether it’s about a player, a coach or a referee it doesn’t matter - we really have to work harder to eradicate this part of the game that brings nothing but bad stuff, leaves a bad taste and makes people’s lives more difficult. Let’s get it out, let’s kick it out.
on whether that’s his message for fans:
It’s for everyone in football, it should not be permitted. We don’t want it, we don’t need it and certainly damages our sport. Let’s get it out.
on whether he’ll select a strong team or rotate against Girona:
We’re here to win the game and in order to do that we’re going to have to be better than them. They’re a really good side, if you look at the games they’ve played in the Champions League against top opposition, they’ve made life very difficult for them. So tomorrow it will be a very strong team in order to achieve what we want to do because mathematically the qualifying at the moment is uncertain.
on whether we may look to buy a different position than a striker:
There are situations open and I always say the same, if we can improve the squad with players that can impact us now and in the future, we will try to do that if it is the best thing for the club, and I stand by that.
on whether Myles’ availability changes his thinking for Girona:
It does affect that because we had a lot of uncertainty, not only for Sunday but for tomorrow and the next few games as well. Now we have more options because he’s going to be available and that’s something very positive for the team.
on Mikel Merino dealing with injuries:
He’s been quite unfortunate, to be honest, but Mikel’s character is unbelievable. He’s so determined and now he has some rhythm, some momentum and has had some very good moments in the last few weeks with us. Unfortunately he had a little niggle but it was nothing serious, but we play every two and a half days so you miss two matches. He’s fit again and available and it’s great to have him in the team.
on how Myles is doing emotionally:
He was sleeping on the plane when I looked back and got the news so I haven’t spoken to him but I imagine he’ll have a big smile on his face.
on how online abuse can be eradicated:
First of all, it’s about spending more time making the right decisions, with the right people to get it out. We have put in laws, measures and regulations for that kind of thing but we haven’t done it [on social media] and they’re all talking about it but no-one seems to be moving strongly enough and bringing people within to get that out of the game because it’s just unacceptable.
on whether winning Myles' appeal so soon after it was lodged shows anything:
I don’t know, I’m not an expert in the field. The club has put all the evidence and everything it could put together to defend our position, and it was pretty fast. It's good to know today basically, that’s helpful.
on how well we're playing away from home in the Champions League:
We’re more consistent and I think we’ve been better in understanding that it’s extremely difficult to win and overplay opposition in the Champions League. Tomorrow, we’re going to face a very good opposition and we’re going to have to be very good to beat them.
on whether our improvement in Europe is down to our home or away form:
Both and every game, every scenario, every context is going to be different. It’s coming here, when we need something from the game, and we’re here to win. From the first minute, the attitude and determination will be to go for it again, and hopefully get the game won.
on Kai Havertz potentially having a breather:
We have a lot of players with a lot of load, he’s not an exception, but his work rate and his desire [are great]. The way he trained today, it’s as if he wants to play tomorrow and some players when they are in the rhythm, they want to continue to do that because they feel better.
on how we plan to use the gap in games if we qualify for the next stage:
We’ve already got a few ideas; we still have to earn the right to do what we ideally want and yes, we will certainly use it.
on Girona being part of a multi-club model:
I can respond to any questions relating to a coach, a performance, or the opposition.
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