Mikel Arteta has sent a stirring message to his players on the eve of their Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, urging them to play like 'beasts' and 'grab the moment'.
Arteta's Rallying Cry
The Arsenal manager is ready to unleash his team's wild side as they prepare for Tuesday night's clash at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta wants to whip up an unforgettable atmosphere to help steer Arsenal into their first Champions League final in 20 years.
Arteta said: 'We will prepare as best as possible, the game, the team, and that we go out there like beasts and enjoy the moment and go for it. Let's go and grab it. When you are in front of such an opportunity, it means that you are ready to deliver. And the team is going to go from the first minute to go and get that.'
Excitement and Hunger
The Arsenal boss expressed huge excitement and hunger for the occasion. 'It's difficult to express the desire to live that moment. Especially with our people in front of them. They've been waiting for so long to have this kind of night. Push hard tomorrow, because it's something amazing that's going to happen.'
Arteta reflected on his vision for the club: 'The thing that I had in mind for this club, you can never promise to win major trophies. You can promise to work every single day with the vision and implementing and being determined with the ideas and the decisions that you take to bring this club to be one of the best in Europe. Here we are. Now we have to make the next step.'
Team News and Atmosphere
Arsenal will unveil a giant 'tifo' banner before kick-off as they prepare for their first-ever back-to-back Champions League semi-final. They aim to go one better than last year and reach their first final since 2006, dreaming of winning the trophy for the first time.
The Gunners are boosted by Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz both being fit to make the squad, but doubts remain over Jurrien Timber's availability for the rest of the season due to a groin issue.
