Arsenal Press Conference: Arteta and Saliba Speak Ahead of Olympiacos Clash

Following Arsenal’s victory over Newcastle United on Sunday, Mikel Arteta faced the press ahead of his side’s Champions League clash with Olympiacos at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, 1st October (20:00 kick-off).

On William Saliba’s New Contract

The manager began by reacting to William Saliba’s new deal: “Yes, big news. Very happy, congratulations to Willy. He fully deserves this new contract. His contribution to the club, to the team has been phenomenal the last few years, and I’m very happy to keep the spine of the team with us,” he said.

Arteta added that players are showing belief in Arsenal’s project: “They feel that they belong to this club, they feel very attached to it and they share the same ambition with the club. Obviously, they feel valued, they feel loved here, and they want to continue their careers here which is great.”

On the Win at Newcastle

Reflecting on the late win at St James’ Park, Arteta said: “Well, great energy obviously. The moment you go in the dressing room everybody is celebrating, especially because of the manner and the way it happened. But you have to move on immediately, and you know that we have a very tough match tomorrow against Olympiacos and I’m ready for it.”

Team News and Ødegaard’s Return

On fitness updates, the manager confirmed: “Yes, no surprises. Hincapié and Noni are still out, so no news. The rest is all good.”

He also praised Martin Ødegaard’s return: “He was very good. He came on and immediately you could see the desire and the responsibility to get in the game, to try to change it… and he made a difference to help us win the game.”

On Home Form in Europe

Looking ahead to the Olympiacos clash, Arteta stressed the importance of home advantage: “We have the same ambition, which is go game by game and try to be better than the opponent. Tomorrow we’re going to have a really difficult one. We know how important the home form is going to be to reach this phase where we want to arrive, and tomorrow we have the opportunity to start well.”

On Olympiacos and Their Manager

When asked about learning from Arsenal’s previous encounters with Olympiacos, Arteta pointed to their manager’s quality and his own history with him: “Yes, because they have a really good side, and they have a really, really good manager, which I’ve known since I was 13 because he was my coach at that period. I know how he works, I know how efficient he is in what he does. That’s why I’m saying tomorrow is going to be a really tough match.”

Olympiacos also boast an impressive recent record in north London, having won on each of their last three visits to Emirates Stadium since 2015.

On Arsenal’s Defensive Chemistry

Arteta finished by praising the chemistry of his back line: “When we talk about centre-back units, it has to exist that will, that feeling to play for each other, and basically to hide each other’s weaknesses and promote each other’s strengths. They like to play with each other, they love each other, and that’s a massive thing when you’re asking your backline to produce what they are producing at the moment.”

Saliba on His New Contract and Ambitions

Saliba also spoke to the press about his new contract and future goals: “I’m so happy to sign a new contract with my club. I have to keep going, and hope to win some trophies. We have a good squad, good staff and a good coach. We are close to winning we just have to keep going like that.”

The 24-year-old reflected on his journey at Arsenal and the loan spells that helped him develop: “Of course, when I didn’t play for six months and then went on loan, I told myself I cannot leave this club without playing for this club. I didn’t give up I went on loan, I played games, I came back and now I start almost every game. I’m proud of that.”

Saliba also highlighted the importance of leadership within the squad: “I think now I’m not so young anymore. I have a bit of experience and I have to be one of the leaders of this team.”

On his ambitions, he was clear: “Win titles, win titles, and be good on the pitch.”

Final Word

Tomorrow’s match against Olympiacos will be an important test for Arsenal as they look to build on their strong start in the Champions League. For Saliba, it represents a chance to continue establishing himself as a key figure in the squad. For Arteta, it is an opportunity to maintain momentum in Europe as Arsenal push toward their season objectives.