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By Oma Akatugba
Mikel Arteta has insisted his attention remains firmly focused on the present as Arsenal FC prepare to face Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League, with the Spaniard urging his players to embrace the decisive stage of the season.
Speaking ahead of the clash in Leverkusen, Arteta was asked about the weight of recent history surrounding Arsenal’s title challenges – times when the club looked on the brink of great success only for it to slip away.
The Arsenal manager acknowledged the expectations, but stressed that his approach is based on daily work, faith and optimism rather than fear of the past.
“I live in the present,” Arteta said. “I prepare myself with what I expect and what I feel every day, with optimism, giving everything I have.”
Arteta explained that his main responsibility is to convey that same belief to his players, ensuring the team remains focused on the immediate task rather than the narratives surrounding the club.
“My job is to try to convey and inspire those players to feel the same way,” he added. “And then this is football.”
While Arsenal’s strong domestic and European form has raised hopes among fans, Arteta made it clear that he believes the most important part of the campaign is still ahead.
“There is a lot to do,” he said. “We have done a lot, but the important thing comes now.”
For Arteta, that crucial phase begins with the Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen, a match he framed as the next step in the team’s journey rather than a moment to reflect on what has already been achieved.
“And it starts today against Bayer Leverkusen,” he said.
With Arsenal flying high in the Premier League and competing strongly in Europe, Arteta’s message was simple: ignore the noise, stay in the moment and prove yourself when it matters most. ⚽
