JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Arsenal striker Gabriel Martinelli says the team will go into the Champions League second leg against Bayer Leverkusen with a winning mentality after earning a 1-1 draw in Germany.
Speaking to Owosports after the match, Martinelli acknowledged the challenge posed by the Bundesliga side but insisted Arsenal are confident ahead of the return match in London next week.
“We knew they have a really good team,” Martinelli said after the game. “Now we go to London with the mentality of winning the game and doing better than today. We got the draw and now we want to win the game at home.”
Arsenal had to settle for a share of the spoils after a competitive fixture in Germany, but Martinelli believes playing the second leg in front of their home fans will make a significant difference.
“We play for Arsenal, we play in the Premier League, so we know how difficult the games are,” he said. “But we also know how strong we are at home. With our fans in London it will be different.”
The Brazilian striker also praised his teammate Kai Havertz, who has been an important figure for Arsenal in recent weeks.
“He is one of the leaders of the team and everyone trusts him,” Martinelli said. “We’re happy to have him back and he played very well today.”
Martinelli highlighted Havertz’s versatility as an asset to the team, noting that the German international’s ability to drop into midfield often creates space for Arsenal’s attacking players.
“It’s different because he can also play in the center of the field,” Martinelli explained. “Sometimes he drops deeper and that movement opens up space for us. Everyone likes to play with him.”
Arsenal also have several options in the central attacking role, according to Martinelli, who said the team trusts any striker selected by the coach.
“We have three number nines that are really good,” he said. “Everyone has their own way of playing and we trust everyone.”
Martinelli admitted that Leverkusen showed their quality, especially after the break.
“They started the second half well and scored from a corner,” he said. “They did very well.”
Despite this, the Brazilian believes that the draw leaves Arsenal in a strong position ahead of the decisive second leg.
“We go to London with the same mentality we had before: win the game,” Martinelli said. “We know the club we play for and we know how strong we are at home.”
The winner of the tie will be decided in London next week.
