Upon arriving in Italy, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta attended the pre-match press conference at San Siro stadium, ahead of his team's matchday seven Champions League group stage fixture against Inter Milan on 19/1.

Coach Mikel Arteta during Arsenal's training session before their match against Inter Milan on matchday seven of the Champions League group stage on 19/1. *Photo: Reuters*

The Spanish coach stated that with just one more draw in the final two matches, Arsenal would secure qualification for the round of 16. However, given their six consecutive wins in European competition this season, the London team's goal is to compete for first or second place to secure home advantage in the second leg throughout the knockout rounds.

"In the Champions League, when you have an opportunity to achieve something, you must seize it", Arteta said. "Tomorrow, Arsenal will truly have to earn a result against a top opponent. If we win, we know we will achieve our round of 16 goal, so let's make that a reality".

If Arsenal extends their winning streak at San Siro today, they will secure a top two spot in the Champions League group stage. This would allow Arteta to consider squad rotation for the final match against Kairat Almaty on 28/1.

However, the Spanish coach warned his players against complacency, emphasizing Arsenal's standard of treating every upcoming match as the season's most important. "We always tell the players that the next match is the most important, and three days later, the same applies", he shared. "That is the demand, the expectation, and also the standard of the team. Arsenal is living with that pressure with excitement, energy, and a positive spirit".

In the previous Champions League group stage, Arsenal suffered a 0-1 defeat at Inter Milan due to a controversial penalty. Since then, the Italian team reached the Champions League final and saw a coaching change, with former defender Cristian Chivu replacing Simone Inzaghi. Nevertheless, Inter remains a leading force in Italian football and currently holds the top spot in Serie A with a three-point lead.

Arteta believes this remains a significant challenge, but Arsenal must learn from past mistakes. "Tomorrow, we have to prove we are better", the 43-year-old coach expressed. "We clearly understand what we need to do to play the way we want. When there is an opportunity to score, Arsenal must capitalize and control the game, because those are vital elements".

Coach Cristian Chivu during the pre-match press conference. *Photo: Inter Milan*

On the opposing side, coach Cristian Chivu praised Arsenal, considering the English team and Bayern Munich as currently the two strongest in Europe. However, the former Romanian international affirmed that Inter is not intimidated by the upcoming clash at San Siro.

"We will face a very strong team, not only now but for many years", Chivu said. "Arsenal invests heavily, has stability, a clear identity, and many players who can cause difficulties. They competed for the Premier League title for a long time, nearly won it last season, and are currently leading their group".

According to the 45-year-old coach, Inter understands the challenges the Champions League presents, especially against English football representatives. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the "Nerazzurri" have accumulated significant experience in European competition and possess the resolve to handle big matches.

"We are aware of the team we have become in recent years, especially in the Champions League. Inter knows how to face top opponents and will try to show their best version", Chivu added.

Hong Duy