Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal team to show 'no fear' and play with 'pure fire' as they head into a crucial week in their season. With a Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting CP and a potential Premier League title decider against Manchester City looming, Arteta is calling on his players to seize the moment and make history. Despite a run of three defeats in four matches, Arteta remains confident in his team's ability and is drawing on his own passion and determination to drive them forward. 'I'm on fire,' he declared in a press conference, 'and I want to see that same fire in my players.' Arteta's rallying cry comes after a shock home defeat to Bournemouth, which has raised questions about his ability to keep his team calm under pressure.
However, the Arsenal manager is undaunted, saying 'I have zero fear' and that he is focused on the opportunity ahead. With Arsenal attempting to reach back-to-back Champions League semi-finals for the first time in their history, Arteta knows that this is a momentous week for the club.
He has defended his team's recent form, saying that it is normal for the run-in to be 'bumpy' and that they are trying to achieve something that has never been done before in the club's 140-year history. Arteta's passion and ambition have been echoed by his players, with midfielder Eberechi Eze saying that the squad is keen to 'make history' and ignore the noise surrounding their season. As Arsenal prepare to face Sporting CP on Wednesday, Arteta's message is clear: 'Let's confront this opportunity and go for it. I'm putting everything into it.'