Mikel Arteta says they need to focus on themselves as they prepare to face Manchester United in the Premier League.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated that they need to focus more on themselves as they prepare to Manchester United.
The Spaniard added that it is a difficult time to play the Reds as they just lost their manager and he have no idea how they will lineup.
On United lineup.
“You know what to expect when you got to that stadium and play in front of that crowd. They are a team, a squad that is one of the most talented in the league. You know the situation you are going to face.
“It is very difficult tactically because you don’t know how they are going to prepare the game, the options that they can play, the formation they can [have] so it’s focused more on ourselves, on what we have to do and make sure the team is prepared to go there and beat them.”
The Reds lined up in a different formation against Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea on Sunday and got a 1-1 draw.
When asked whether he thinks caretaker manager Michael Carrick will use the same formation against them Arteta said: “I don’t know, obviously they are different games. You’re playing Chelsea away, and they have phases in the game – I don’t think they were that defensive for the whole game.
“Sometimes you want to do something against Chelsea with their ability, and you cannot do it because of the quality they have and the solutions they can find to every problem you try to create. I expect a very lively atmosphere and a team that wants to come out.”
Mikel Arteta has an incredible record against Manchester United since became the manager of Arsenal but admits they need to respect the opponent.
On the confidence they have to face United.
“The confidence that we have to prepare the matches to win, and we first of all have to respect the opponent that we will have in front of us, but with the end goal, the mindset, the confidence, the desire to win the game and have that belief straight away.”
Manchester United have appointed Ralf Rangnick as their interim manager for the rest of the season but the German won’t be on duty against the Gunners.
Speaking about the German Arteta said:” He has been one of the top coaches in every involvement he has had in the game, not only in coaching. He’s made some radical changes in some areas and he’s a really interesting person in the footballing world, and a really interesting appointment for the club.”
