Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has cautioned his players against underestimating Lille ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League encounter, while outlining his approach to selecting a starting line-up.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Arteta praised Lille’s coach, Davide, for building a competitive and well-organised side capable of challenging top teams.
“What Davide has done is, I think, remarkable. You can just see the way that they are competing and playing and the problems that they have caused to big teams, and tomorrow is not going to be different until we are ready for it,” Arteta said.
The Spaniard also explained that his selection decisions consider how matches are likely to unfold, particularly the importance of substitutes in determining results.
“Sometimes I’m going to pick a team or players in relation to what I expect, especially at the beginning, that can finish the game, because that’s where most of the games are decided, at this level as well, and we have the bench and the players that are capable of doing that, and we’re going to use, obviously, that resource,” he said.
Arteta targets another Champions League final
Having lost last season’s final, Arteta stressed that Arsenal must work hard to earn another opportunity to compete for the trophy.
“That you’re going to have to earn the right to get in that position again. We know how tough it is and how many times we’ve done it in the history of our club. So first of all, realise that, and tomorrow we’re going to have a really tough opponent in front of us,” he said.
Arteta praises Giroud’s intelligence
The Arsenal boss also reflected on former teammate Olivier Giroud, highlighting the striker’s qualities and contribution during his time at the club.
Arteta described Giroud as a valuable dressing-room presence who brought a different dimension to Arsenal’s attack following his arrival from Montpellier, where he won the French Ligue 1 title.
Asked whether the French forward had been underrated during his Arsenal career, Arteta defended the striker’s standing among his teammates and former manager Arsène Wenger.
“Not for his teammates for sure or Arsene [Wenger] in this case. I don’t know the rest. But he was extremely intelligent first and he was really, really a handful. Every time you had him on the pitch, you had a massive threat inside the box,” he said.
Arteta further praised Giroud’s ability to combine with teammates and his tireless work rate.
“He was so good at connecting with other players as well and his work rate was phenomenal, so certainly not [underrated] by us,” he said.
Arsenal host Lille on Tuesday as they continue their Champions League campaign, with Arteta expecting a demanding contest at the Emirates Stadium.
