Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal focus on Fulham ahead of defining week
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has challenged his squad to maintain their Premier League title push against Fulham before turning their attention back to Atletico Madrid.
The Gunners face a season-defining few days as they attempt to balance intense domestic ambitions with a crucial European semi-final.
No team across Europe’s major leagues has played more games than the north London club this season.
Focus on the Premier League
A victory over Fulham would temporarily move the title challengers six points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.
While their Spanish opponents rested key players against Valencia this weekend, the English side cannot afford to heavily rotate their exhausted squad.
“The players’ reaction immediately after the first leg against Atletico is ‘now it’s Fulham, now it’s Fulham, now it’s Fulham’,” Arteta said.
“Immediately in the dressing room. They know that and they will have time to prepare for Atletico Madrid.”
Defining club history
Securing both the domestic title and European glory would mark the most successful campaign in the club’s illustrious history.
Conversely, failing in both competitions could spark debate over the manager’s long-term future as he enters the final year of his contract.
“We need to push it,” the Spaniard added.
“Everybody has to lead himself and take ownership of the moment. The impact that you can have in the moment now is going to define the history of the club.”
End of the midweek grind
There is finally a light at the end of the tunnel for the fatigued players regarding their intense fixture schedule.
Following the clashes with Fulham and the Madrid side, the team will not face any further midweek fixtures for the remainder of the domestic season.
“After that, we’re going to have more separation in games so we know that it is this very particular period and short turnaround,” Arteta explained.
“Just focus on Fulham and we’ll take care of the rest afterwards.”
The squad will then enjoy clear weeks to prepare for their final domestic fixtures against Burnley and Crystal Palace.