Mikel Arteta has disclosed that he orchestrated what he described as a 'beautiful' clear-the-air session with his Arsenal players in the wake of their weekend defeat to Manchester United. The Gunners' manager is now calling for any disgruntled supporters to wholeheartedly jump aboard what he terms the 'fun boat' as the club intensifies its pursuit of Premier League glory.
Arsenal's Response to a Setback
The north London outfit has encountered a minor stumble in form, failing to secure a victory in their last three league encounters. This dip was punctuated by audible booing from sections of the fanbase during the 3-2 loss to Michael Carrick's Manchester United side at the weekend, a result that has trimmed Arsenal's lead at the summit of the Premier League to a mere four points.
A Pivotal Team Gathering
Yet, Arteta insists that the subsequent team meeting has left him utterly convinced of his squad's readiness and determination to clinch the title. "The reaction has been excellent," Arteta stated. "We took a moment to bring the temperature down, to pause, to reflect and ask two fundamental questions."
He elaborated: "One is, 'How do we feel, and how do I feel myself'? And then, 'How are we going to live the next four months'? It was so encouraging and beautiful because what came out of that meeting is very simple."
Arteta revealed the core message he delivered to his players: "I told them first of all how good they are and how grateful we are to share every single day with them. And just make sure that we enjoy it with a lot of conviction, that it's going to happen because it's our moment and we really want it."
Arteta's Rallying Cry to the Fans
With Arsenal also leading their Champions League group, the focus remains firmly on domestic success. Arteta extended his motivational plea directly to the club's supporters, urging unity for the crucial final stretch of the season.
"I'm just hoping that everybody that is related to this club, especially our supporters, jump in that boat because this is the way that we're going to live the next four months," he asserted.
He added with emphasis: "That's why I encouraged them to jump in this boat because it's going to be fun. Because the excitement, that conviction, that energy, that will is the way you have to live when you want to achieve a dream. When you want to achieve something that you play for 10 months."
The Path Forward
Arteta concluded by outlining the collective mindset required: "This is going to be the mindset and where we're going to put the energy. Because out of that, a lot of incredible things are going to emerge. Some of the things that we cannot even imagine. For me, that's the only way to live it because we're going to give absolutely everything."
The immediate focus now shifts to Arsenal's upcoming fixture against Kairat Almaty on Wednesday, as Arteta and his squad look to translate this renewed conviction into positive results on the pitch.
