Every word Mikel Arteta said on Thomas Partey injury, academy transfers and Klopp

Is there an update on Jesus and Partey?

Gabi obviously played and trained with us the whole week.

With Thomas unfortunately we had a little setback a few days ago. He’s not going to be available in the squad. We’ll see if it’s a matter of days of weeks. But he had a little thing.

When you say setback what do you mean?

I’m not a doctor, but he felt something in a very similar area and he wasn’t able to train the last few days.

How much do you need to win on the weekend?

What we need to do is play like we played in the last two games against them and be more efficient in the areas that will decide the game. I’m very excited. It’s always good to prepare a game against Liverpool, with how they are. We play at home and what I sense is real positivity and enthusiasm around the place.

When you look at this game, how much better equipped are you to win in these big games?

We had some big experiences. We are in the Champions League as well which is a big step. The squad is better. It’s true we had a few big injuries but we’ve coped really well.

READ MORE: Arsenal announce new long-term sponsorship agreement with Stan Kroenke blueprint clear

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta reveals Thomas Partey injury blow amid Gabriel Jesus news for Arsenal vs Liverpool

How much of a better place are you compared to the FA Cup?

In terms of the team performance, very similar. We had the opportunity to refresh and reconnect again in Dubai. Then we had a long period between Palace and Forest. I think we’ve continued to play really well but we’ve been more efficient in the final third. That’s helpful to win matches.

Are White and Zinchenko friends again?

Yeah… They’ve been in the same house the past few days sharing wives and everything! It’s fine they’re living together now. They’re best mates. *LAUGHS*

You don’t argue with someone if you don’t have a great relationship. That happens because you have the trust and chemistry with somebody to react the way they did.

Do you like that sort of behaviour?

I love it. As long as it’s in a respectful way and with the intention to be more demanding as a team and it stays there, I’m very happy with that.

Is a win against Liverpool needed to give you that confidence to prove you can beat big teams?

Yeah we have done it. We have proven we can beat big teams, we come up against Liverpool now and we’re in a much better place. We talk about momentum. It’s been two wins and we want to make it three. It’s going to be an incredible atmosphere, we’re gonna need that. I encourage people to play with us every single ball. We’re going to need that.

Will Klopp’s announcement give Liverpool extra motivation?

I haven’t a clue. Hopefully not.

What would you think if you were in that position?

I don’t know. I’m not in that position. I have enough to understand how we feel in our position.

Will you miss Klopp?

Absolutely. I think it’s going to be a big loss. He’s been an inspiration. He’s got a really attractive way of building teams and transforming a club. He will be missed, but for now he’s here.

Have you lost your unpredictability this season?

There are moments where you provoke certain things and others where opponents’ behaviours decides what you do. We were the team that played against the most deep blocks last season so it’s nothing new. Still we’re scoring goals in different ways in the last two weeks as well.

Controlling matches more this season?

We are conceding less than last season. We are generating more and now that has to be seen in the scoreline. That is the challenge

If you struggle the next couple of games there will be questions. Why no strikers?

And if we win and I score a lot of goals? I think like this. I love my players and I think tomorrow they are going to score a lot of goals and they are going to be top. They fully deserve all our credit for the way they are.

So you fully trust your players?

Absolutely, yes.

Why do you like your players fighting on the pitch?

Maybe we have a different understanding of what the word fight means. Maybe it was a conversation. A little bit heated and a little bit emotional after the game when you are going 200 beats a minute. It’s normal. Nothing new.

Why do you want to see it?

I want to see passion. I want to see commitment from my players. I want players who always have desire to be better and in order to do that we have to be demanding with each other. Otherwise it is Disneyland.

If you lose is the title over?

I don’t know. My mindset is to win and that is the frame [of mind] I am in.

Is it must not lose?

No, we want to win and we have to earn the right to win. In order to do that we have to do so many things because there is a reason that they are there but there is a reason why we are where we are.

Is the lack of January business a sign of things to come due to FFP?

I think that is a big reason. I fully agree but as well maybe there is not a player in the market who can make the difference or the impact that you need, if you are able to recruit them.

Will you look at City win over City as example how to beat the top teams?

Yes, or Man U, or Brighton, or when we played against Liverpool here last season. We have done it many times but tomorrow is a different game.

The train looks really ready and the players are looking forward to the game. We know that the stadium is going to be fully with us. We want those afternoons with our supporters where we are challenging for big things. Tomorrow is a big one.

How concerning is Partey’s fitness troubles?

A big concern because he is such an important player for us. He was getting some momentum at the start of the season and then we lost him for a while. Now it has been a long time without him.

He gives us something different that no other player can give us in the squad so he will be a miss.

Why does it happen? Is it bad luck?

They have been different kind of injuries but not everything is bad luck. There are a lot of things that are difficult to control. Obviously the player has a history as well when he had some issues in the past so we have to try to protect him and do everything that we can to avoid it again.

New training ground name?

We want to welcome Sobha Realty to our football club. I think it is going to be a great way for us to evolve the facilities and the upgrades that we need to improve performance and make this place more special. We have some necessities and they are going to be really helpful to fulfil them.

Why did you let Sousa go?

It was a club decision. He had a really particular situation with his contract and we had a lot of talks about it. The club believed it was the best decision to do that and I supported that.

When you look at City and Liverpool, do you need to be bolder in giving youth a chance?

We certainly want to do that. First of all we need to produce those talents and hey have to earn it. Secondly, when we produce those talents they have to be in the positions we need filling.

Everything has to come together and we are working on a few prospects which are not far [away] but the reality is that we want more.

So is it not that you’re choosing against using the talent, it is that the talent isn’t there to break in today?

Today? To give opportunities and to play in the first team at the level we require, we are a bit short.

Want to keep up to date with the breaking and important Arsenal stories whilst on the move? Well now you can!

Click this link to follow the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel, where you’ll be kept up to date on the latest Gunners news wherever you are.

Just remember to turn on the notifications once you’ve followed, and you won’t miss a beat!