With the drums beating for the third round of the FA Cup, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stepped into the press conference and responded to questions from journalists on a range of topics, including the historical weight of the FA Cup, the team's current situation and preparation strategy.
Arteta pointed out that the FA Cup is not only a glorious journey for Arsenal, the glory of 14 trophies has witnessed the team's extraordinary. The showdown with Manchester United is both a visual feast and a moment of remembrance, especially considering the Red Devils' huge fan base. He vowed that the team will do their best to provide the fans with an exciting showdown.
Looking back on that 2020 FA Cup win without a crowd, Arteta believes it was the brightest moment of his managerial career. The long layoff due to the epidemic put him and the team through a tough time. He revealed that that win was done without the fans, which reinforced his desire to win in front of them.
Speaking about the art of coaching of Manchester United head coach Amorim, Arteta praised Amorim's deep understanding of soccer and his ability to develop tactics based on the characteristics of the players, which was evident during his coaching days in Portugal. At the same time, he also expressed his understanding of the challenges Amorim faced when he took over the team.
Referring to the team's recent performance, Arteta believes that new signing Trossard has played a key role, but is also frustrated that the team has failed to score in some matches. He firmly believes that the solution comes from within the team and that the players need to be more focused and hardworking. In addition, he also revealed that the team is discussing with the top management to improve its strength, including the attraction plan in the transfer market.
Regarding the rotation system in the FA Cup, Arteta said it is the norm, especially in the goalkeeper position. He praised Neto's patience and contribution and said that the team will make the best choices depending on the match.
Finally, Arteta spoke about the significance of the team's all-white jerseys participating in the "No More Red" campaign on Sunday. He believes it is a very meaningful event with many people working to improve the quality of life for others. He paid tribute to the club and the participants, and promised that the team will be there to add color to the event. At the same time, he revealed that the team is ready to take it one game at a time and fight for the dream of winning the FA Cup in 2025.
