Martin Odegaard urges Arsenal to embrace pressure in historic double bid
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has urged his teammates to embrace the pressure ahead of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, sitting just seven games away from a historic double.
Mikel Arteta’s side require four wins to secure the Premier League title and three victories to lift their first-ever European Cup.
The Norwegian playmaker insists the squad is fully prepared to take the final steps towards an unprecedented end to the season.
Facing Simeone’s seasoned campaigners
The north London outfit travel to the Metropolitano Stadium to face Diego Simeone’s battle-hardened squad in the first leg of their European showdown.
Despite facing accusations of struggling under pressure in previous campaigns, the former Real Madrid star is adamant his side will not be intimidated.
“I’ve been in this club for a while now and I’ve seen the progression since I first came and how much we’ve improved and the steps we’ve taken,” the 25-year-old explained.
“That’s the biggest goal, the biggest dream and that’s what we’re working towards every single day.”
Thriving under ultimate pressure
Nerves have occasionally plagued the Emirates Stadium crowd this season as the title race intensifies.
However, the Gunners’ talisman believes competing at the summit of world football should be celebrated rather than feared.
“How can you not enjoy it?” the midfielder asked.
“I think we’re playing in probably the toughest and most competitive league in the world and we’re at the top, fighting for the title, winning and playing in the semi-final and the Champions League.”
Learning from past mistakes
The upcoming fixtures represent a defining period for a young squad desperate to translate their domestic progression into tangible silverware.
“These are the moments we’ve been dreaming about since I was a kid,” the Norway international reflected.
“Take all the lessons you know from the past and bring it into this end of the season and I’m sure we’re going to do that.”
