Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called on his team to show 'no fear' and play with 'pure fire' as they head into a pivotal week in their season. The Gunners are on the verge of reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in their history and also have a potential Premier League title decider against Manchester City looming. Despite a recent run of three defeats in four matches, Arteta remains optimistic and has urged his players to seize the opportunity ahead of them. 'No fear, pure fire, that's what I want to see from the players, the people, and myself,' Arteta said in a press conference.
'We are in April, and we have an incredible opportunity ahead of us. Let's confront it and go for it.' 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 boss remains confident in his team's ability to deliver and has called on them to draw on their passion and desire to succeed. 'I'm on fire, that's it,' Arteta said.
'I've done so much to be in this position, and I know how this club was. I've done so much against all odds, and I just see beauty and opportunity. I want to get it done for the people who have been on this journey with us. They deserve it, it's unbelievable.' Arteta's comments have been echoed by Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze, who said that the squad is keen to ignore the noise surrounding their season and focus on making history.
'The boss speaks well, he is passionate, and you can see the fire he has in his eyes and mind,' Eze said. 'We know the opportunity we have, and we know what is at stake and what is possible. We have an opportunity to make history as a club, and regardless of what people are saying outside, it's about us here and what we do massively.'