WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.259 Hello and welcome to HYBR1D Powered by chinkseyMEDIA. 00:00:03.259 --> 00:00:06.179 Media. Right, it's Friday, you know what time 00:00:06.179 --> 00:00:10.140 it is. Time for Mikel Arteta's pre -Newcastle 00:00:10.140 --> 00:00:13.880 press conference. Mikel Arteta spoke to the media 00:00:13.880 --> 00:00:16.859 at the Sober Realty Training Centre for his pre 00:00:16.859 --> 00:00:21.500 -Newcastle United press conference today. Here's 00:00:21.500 --> 00:00:23.039 what he had to say on the following subjects. 00:00:23.800 --> 00:00:28.370 On the sad passing of Billy Vigor. Or Vajra, 00:00:28.449 --> 00:00:29.629 sorry, I don't know how to pronounce his name. 00:00:30.070 --> 00:00:33.109 Some shocking news. When I got home yesterday, 00:00:33.250 --> 00:00:35.390 straight away, I was thinking about the family 00:00:35.390 --> 00:00:37.570 and how difficult it is to go through something 00:00:37.570 --> 00:00:41.450 like this in a very unexpected way. Hopefully, 00:00:41.609 --> 00:00:44.369 the footballing authorities will dig in and understand 00:00:44.369 --> 00:00:47.130 what happened, why it happened, and try to avoid 00:00:47.130 --> 00:00:50.509 these kind of things. Really sad news and our 00:00:50.509 --> 00:00:52.789 full support with the family and our thoughts 00:00:52.789 --> 00:00:56.189 with all the loved ones. Yeah, I just want to... 00:00:56.649 --> 00:01:00.149 Pay my condolences to Billy Vajar and his family. 00:01:01.229 --> 00:01:06.170 It's sad news and I just hope and wish the family 00:01:06.170 --> 00:01:11.409 all the best in this time. Billy Vajar, 2003 00:01:11.409 --> 00:01:18.409 to 2025. On Martin Odegaard's availability, Martin 00:01:18.409 --> 00:01:20.989 will be training with us the next two days, so 00:01:20.989 --> 00:01:23.549 hopefully he'll be available for the game. Yeah. 00:01:25.210 --> 00:01:28.069 Obviously, as a sequel to the last press conference, 00:01:28.269 --> 00:01:31.209 where obviously Mikel Arteta said he'll be out 00:01:31.209 --> 00:01:35.010 for days, which a day before the Port Vale game, 00:01:35.170 --> 00:01:36.909 so that ruled him out of that game. But as I 00:01:36.909 --> 00:01:41.549 said in that last press conference, he should 00:01:41.549 --> 00:01:45.069 be fine for Sunday. It's just a question of whether 00:01:45.069 --> 00:01:48.549 he starts or not. But personally, I think he'll 00:01:48.549 --> 00:01:50.230 be on the bench. I'll be surprised if he does 00:01:50.230 --> 00:01:52.750 start, but I'll also be surprised if he's not 00:01:52.750 --> 00:01:56.950 on the bench. On if there's been a scan of Noni 00:01:56.950 --> 00:02:06.430 Madweke's injury. No, not yet. Okay. Okay, there's 00:02:06.430 --> 00:02:09.110 nothing more to add to that. On rumours surrounding 00:02:09.110 --> 00:02:12.289 William Saliba signing a new contract. Hopefully 00:02:12.289 --> 00:02:14.990 it will be everybody in the world reporting it. 00:02:15.090 --> 00:02:18.129 Arsenal included, very soon. That's what I'm 00:02:18.129 --> 00:02:20.490 hoping. But let's leave the club to announce 00:02:20.490 --> 00:02:23.639 that when it's all done. I like the way he did 00:02:23.639 --> 00:02:27.000 that. Basically, he's trying to say everyone's 00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:30.680 talking, but until Arsenal talk, then it's all 00:02:30.680 --> 00:02:38.210 talk. On how important William is for us. He 00:02:38.210 --> 00:02:40.930 certainly is and he's been instrumental in everything 00:02:40.930 --> 00:02:43.430 we've done in the last few years. It's great 00:02:43.430 --> 00:02:45.569 to see a lot of players willing and so driven 00:02:45.569 --> 00:02:48.509 to come into the club. That means that they are 00:02:48.509 --> 00:02:52.129 happy. They feel valued and they see that this 00:02:52.129 --> 00:02:54.289 is the best opportunity for them to continue 00:02:54.289 --> 00:02:57.169 their careers and fulfil the ambition of the 00:02:57.169 --> 00:03:00.330 club. Yeah, I mean, William Saliba has been an 00:03:00.330 --> 00:03:05.289 unbelievable servant to the club. I think the 00:03:05.289 --> 00:03:08.050 world knows that it's as good as done, the contract, 00:03:08.289 --> 00:03:11.750 a five -year renewal, which would take him to 00:03:11.750 --> 00:03:15.810 2030, which would take him to around 28, 29. 00:03:16.530 --> 00:03:20.909 So that is like kind of penultimate. Big contract, 00:03:21.069 --> 00:03:23.349 if you like. His next one will be the bumper 00:03:23.349 --> 00:03:25.490 big contract. It will be a question of whether 00:03:25.490 --> 00:03:28.930 he remains with Arsenal or seeks past his new, 00:03:29.030 --> 00:03:32.129 obviously. But yeah, I think it's time now for 00:03:32.129 --> 00:03:35.949 people like Saliba, Gabriel, Saka, Odegaard, 00:03:35.949 --> 00:03:39.849 Rice to start bringing in the trophies that their 00:03:39.849 --> 00:03:44.669 talent befits. On how much pride he takes in 00:03:44.669 --> 00:03:47.659 Saliba's form. It's very impressive what he's 00:03:47.659 --> 00:03:50.120 done at his age because sometimes we tend to 00:03:50.120 --> 00:03:52.900 forget. But his consistency, I think, the way 00:03:52.900 --> 00:03:55.419 he's progressed, I think the way he's matured 00:03:55.419 --> 00:03:57.840 as well as a person and his role in the team 00:03:57.840 --> 00:04:00.560 has grown year after year. I think he's built 00:04:00.560 --> 00:04:03.080 a partnership with Gabby especially, but also 00:04:03.080 --> 00:04:05.400 with the backline and the keeper that has the 00:04:05.400 --> 00:04:08.199 best defensive record in the last three years, 00:04:08.259 --> 00:04:11.689 I think. He's been pivotal to that. Yeah, I mean, 00:04:11.729 --> 00:04:14.490 William Saliba is a phenomenon, phenomenal player, 00:04:14.650 --> 00:04:19.589 phenomenal defender. Obviously for Arsenal and 00:04:19.589 --> 00:04:23.129 France. For France, he partners Ibrahima Konate. 00:04:23.230 --> 00:04:26.230 If not, it will be Dayot Opamecano at centre 00:04:26.230 --> 00:04:29.189 -half. But he rarely puts a foot wrong. He's 00:04:29.189 --> 00:04:32.410 very young. He's 23, 24 years old. I think 24. 00:04:33.730 --> 00:04:36.910 But still a lot to learn, a lot of potential 00:04:36.910 --> 00:04:43.579 to reach. and a lot of trophies to attain at 00:04:43.579 --> 00:04:46.480 Arsenal. So hopefully he can keep progressing 00:04:46.480 --> 00:04:49.779 as a player, as a man, and become a leader for 00:04:49.779 --> 00:04:53.699 both club and country. On if we have the best 00:04:53.699 --> 00:04:56.639 defence in the league, I know we want to have 00:04:56.639 --> 00:04:58.920 the best team in the Premier League, and in relation 00:04:58.920 --> 00:05:01.600 to every phase, I think the contribution of every 00:05:01.600 --> 00:05:04.540 player is critical. We start from our front line 00:05:04.540 --> 00:05:07.560 and the amount of pressure and work that they 00:05:07.560 --> 00:05:10.180 put into any defensive line, any goalkeeper is 00:05:10.180 --> 00:05:13.259 tremendous. So it's something collective. It's 00:05:13.259 --> 00:05:15.720 a team sport and in anything that we do, everybody 00:05:15.720 --> 00:05:19.439 has a pivotal role in that. So yeah, the journalist 00:05:19.439 --> 00:05:22.519 clearly tried to trick Arteta into saying that 00:05:22.519 --> 00:05:25.939 Arsenal have the best defence in the league because 00:05:25.939 --> 00:05:29.360 what does that even mean? It's about having the 00:05:29.360 --> 00:05:34.199 best team. It's about finishing top. So how you 00:05:34.199 --> 00:05:36.560 go about doing that? Obviously, Arteta's faced 00:05:36.560 --> 00:05:43.019 criticism for, quote -unquote, playing with the 00:05:43.019 --> 00:05:46.540 handbrake on and not going as attacking as he 00:05:46.540 --> 00:05:49.579 could. I mean, my personal view on that is I 00:05:49.579 --> 00:05:54.220 think Arteta's method is to try and control a 00:05:54.220 --> 00:05:59.519 game, which is to, to an extent, have the handbrake 00:05:59.519 --> 00:06:03.110 on. which limits the opportunity of the opposition 00:06:03.110 --> 00:06:06.290 creating chances, which means it's hard for us 00:06:06.290 --> 00:06:10.209 to lose games. However, with that handbrake being 00:06:10.209 --> 00:06:14.129 on slightly, it hinders our attacking efforts, 00:06:14.490 --> 00:06:20.829 prowess, endeavours. So if you loosen the handbrake, 00:06:20.829 --> 00:06:23.910 we're more prone to losing matches because the 00:06:23.910 --> 00:06:28.889 control lessens. We're more able to create chances. 00:06:29.009 --> 00:06:33.129 So it's like something's got to give in a way. 00:06:33.209 --> 00:06:36.970 Do you know what I mean? On if he's proud, we've 00:06:36.970 --> 00:06:40.149 conceded twice in seven games. Yeah, especially 00:06:40.149 --> 00:06:42.310 as one of them was a free kick that you cannot 00:06:42.310 --> 00:06:45.910 do much about. And one was an action in that 00:06:45.910 --> 00:06:49.050 there are things to improve. But overall, I think 00:06:49.050 --> 00:06:51.370 we've been consistent. It will be key to maintain 00:06:51.370 --> 00:06:55.139 that level. Yeah, I mean. We've conceded two 00:06:55.139 --> 00:06:58.939 goals in seven games and we've played... Most 00:06:58.939 --> 00:07:01.100 of those games have been against top teams. Liverpool, 00:07:01.939 --> 00:07:05.980 Man City, we've got Newcastle coming up. So, 00:07:05.980 --> 00:07:10.259 yeah, but I think it's just about winning games. 00:07:10.300 --> 00:07:12.060 It's just about creating chances. I think it's 00:07:12.060 --> 00:07:13.920 just about getting our creative players on the 00:07:13.920 --> 00:07:17.779 pitch, getting the team right, getting the right 00:07:17.779 --> 00:07:19.860 blend of players right. If you're going to play 00:07:19.860 --> 00:07:24.819 with three... three solid, rigid midfielders 00:07:24.819 --> 00:07:27.240 in a way. I wouldn't say defensive midfielders, 00:07:27.240 --> 00:07:29.120 but if you're going to play the likes of Zubimendi, 00:07:29.180 --> 00:07:34.620 Rice and Mourinho, then you have to put someone 00:07:34.620 --> 00:07:38.000 like a Wanyeri or an Eze in the wide positions. 00:07:38.120 --> 00:07:40.660 I don't think you can add a Martinelli to that. 00:07:41.180 --> 00:07:45.339 So, however, if you put like an Eze in that midfield, 00:07:45.439 --> 00:07:47.459 then you can add someone like a Martinelli or 00:07:47.459 --> 00:07:50.199 Trossard. So it's like horses for courses in 00:07:50.199 --> 00:07:54.439 a sense, you know? On if Newcastle are completely 00:07:54.439 --> 00:07:57.980 different without Alexander Isak. No, because 00:07:57.980 --> 00:08:00.740 he wasn't playing against Barcelona and what 00:08:00.740 --> 00:08:02.860 could have been in the first 30 or 40 minutes 00:08:02.860 --> 00:08:06.439 could be very different to the result. I always 00:08:06.439 --> 00:08:08.699 praise the work that Eddie and the coaching staff 00:08:08.699 --> 00:08:11.199 have done there and the way they have managed 00:08:11.199 --> 00:08:14.040 to create such an atmosphere, especially at home. 00:08:14.339 --> 00:08:16.860 And a very clear identity of playing football. 00:08:17.000 --> 00:08:19.600 They make it really difficult. We know the test. 00:08:19.879 --> 00:08:22.319 We know that we're going to have to be much more 00:08:22.319 --> 00:08:24.360 efficient than we've been lately when we've played 00:08:24.360 --> 00:08:26.759 up there to win the game. And we're going to 00:08:26.759 --> 00:08:29.300 work on that in the next two days. OK, first 00:08:29.300 --> 00:08:31.339 things first. What I've noticed over the last 00:08:31.339 --> 00:08:33.679 few years is I don't think Arteta likes Eddie 00:08:33.679 --> 00:08:38.149 Howe. I think there's a kind of, I don't know 00:08:38.149 --> 00:08:41.309 if disdain is a strong word to what I've observed 00:08:41.309 --> 00:08:44.570 between them, but there's a little friction there. 00:08:44.710 --> 00:08:47.250 So I'm going to be observing how they kind of 00:08:47.250 --> 00:08:49.409 greet each other and, you know, how they move 00:08:49.409 --> 00:08:51.950 towards each other on Sunday. But that's what 00:08:51.950 --> 00:08:55.370 I've taken from them. And obviously, I think 00:08:55.370 --> 00:08:59.299 Eddie Howe kind of uses that. Oh, it's Arsenal. 00:08:59.340 --> 00:09:00.779 They think they're better than us. They think 00:09:00.779 --> 00:09:03.200 they can swan over here and play their football. 00:09:03.340 --> 00:09:05.360 And we're not having that. Let's go and get at 00:09:05.360 --> 00:09:08.080 them. So he's probably riling up the boys in 00:09:08.080 --> 00:09:13.200 the changing room. Whereas Arteta now is, you 00:09:13.200 --> 00:09:17.240 know, coming up against a team that are fired 00:09:17.240 --> 00:09:20.720 up with strong players in midfield like Bruno, 00:09:21.039 --> 00:09:25.179 Joe Linton, Tonali, who like to leave a foot 00:09:25.179 --> 00:09:27.740 in. And then you've obviously got big lads at 00:09:27.740 --> 00:09:31.240 the defence, people like Dan Byrne, you know, 00:09:31.259 --> 00:09:34.379 Livermentos, no slouch, he's a strong, fast boy. 00:09:34.460 --> 00:09:36.860 So, you know, it's going to be an uphill battle, 00:09:36.980 --> 00:09:40.639 not to mention that St James' Park is on a slope. 00:09:41.240 --> 00:09:44.960 So, yeah, it's going to be a tough game, a bruising 00:09:44.960 --> 00:09:48.000 encounter, but hopefully one that we can emerge 00:09:48.000 --> 00:09:50.120 victorious for the first time in a few years. 00:09:51.779 --> 00:09:55.440 On the thinking behind kick -off tactics, I like 00:09:55.440 --> 00:09:57.620 more the one where you put the ball in the back 00:09:57.620 --> 00:09:59.879 of the net straight away instead of kicking it 00:09:59.879 --> 00:10:02.820 for a throw in. There are a few patterns and 00:10:02.820 --> 00:10:05.340 a few ways that teams have done it over the past. 00:10:06.269 --> 00:10:08.649 But there are some tendencies as well in relation 00:10:08.649 --> 00:10:11.610 to the game that we expect. You expect certain 00:10:11.610 --> 00:10:15.049 things that you can do to try and avoid certain 00:10:15.049 --> 00:10:17.629 pressure in the first minutes. It's all down 00:10:17.629 --> 00:10:21.009 to preparation, I think. Teta's been facetious 00:10:21.009 --> 00:10:23.570 there. I prefer the one that he put the ball 00:10:23.570 --> 00:10:27.190 in the back of the net. But yeah, I mean, I don't 00:10:27.190 --> 00:10:29.840 know. Football's all... swings and roundabouts 00:10:29.840 --> 00:10:32.240 in terms of tactics i think a lot of the teams 00:10:32.240 --> 00:10:36.080 are going back to the kind of early 2000s 90s 00:10:36.080 --> 00:10:40.639 where like no one's scared to put in long throws 00:10:40.639 --> 00:10:46.039 you know corners set pieces all percentage football 00:10:46.039 --> 00:10:50.019 uh sam allardyce tony pulis you know this is 00:10:50.019 --> 00:10:53.399 their kind of forte and also like you know from 00:10:53.399 --> 00:10:57.019 the um From the kickoff when you just lump it 00:10:57.019 --> 00:10:59.700 long and things like that, long balls, all of 00:10:59.700 --> 00:11:02.539 that. So that's from early 90s and it's coming 00:11:02.539 --> 00:11:05.120 back into fashion. I think it's because there's 00:11:05.120 --> 00:11:09.000 so many fine lines in football. Arteta is trying 00:11:09.000 --> 00:11:12.000 to kind of get any type of advantage and use 00:11:12.000 --> 00:11:17.539 it to his advantage over the opponent. On if 00:11:17.539 --> 00:11:20.159 we would only kick the ball straight out away 00:11:20.159 --> 00:11:23.019 from home. It depends. First half, second half, 00:11:23.159 --> 00:11:26.059 if you concede and it's two minutes to go, it 00:11:26.059 --> 00:11:28.860 depends. I think the context of the match and 00:11:28.860 --> 00:11:31.279 the results make you decide what's the best thing 00:11:31.279 --> 00:11:34.460 to do now. Yeah, but the context of the match 00:11:34.460 --> 00:11:37.480 doesn't matter when it's the first kickoff of 00:11:37.480 --> 00:11:40.720 the game, does it? So he kind of sidestepped 00:11:40.720 --> 00:11:47.220 that question. I wouldn't be surprised if Arsenal 00:11:47.220 --> 00:11:50.320 were to kick the ball out of play if they had 00:11:50.320 --> 00:11:55.759 kick -off at St. James's, just to kind of get 00:11:55.759 --> 00:11:58.759 into team shape, get the ball out upfield. And 00:11:58.759 --> 00:12:03.519 yeah, that's my take from that anyway. On how 00:12:03.519 --> 00:12:07.690 much Saliba has exceeded his expectations. Probably 00:12:07.690 --> 00:12:09.730 all of them, I would say, especially the way 00:12:09.730 --> 00:12:12.330 we started our relationship. Probably we had 00:12:12.330 --> 00:12:15.289 different expectations or ideas of how to create 00:12:15.289 --> 00:12:17.870 the best pathway for him to fulfill his potential. 00:12:18.129 --> 00:12:20.210 But I think at some point we got to the same 00:12:20.210 --> 00:12:22.570 conclusion, to the same line, and we started 00:12:22.570 --> 00:12:26.250 to work together. From there, with the help of 00:12:26.250 --> 00:12:28.610 all the coaches and players, everything started 00:12:28.610 --> 00:12:31.750 to flourish because it was clear that the potential 00:12:31.750 --> 00:12:34.549 was there. It was about timing and especially, 00:12:34.730 --> 00:12:36.730 in my opinion, creating the right environment 00:12:36.730 --> 00:12:38.750 and players for him to deliver what he could 00:12:38.750 --> 00:12:41.730 do. Okay, so that's Arteta essentially saying 00:12:41.730 --> 00:12:45.169 that they didn't get on, they had a kind of friction 00:12:45.169 --> 00:12:47.809 between them at the start, which was obvious 00:12:47.809 --> 00:12:50.700 in the way that... Saliba was sent on loan after 00:12:50.700 --> 00:12:53.240 loan after loan. I think two or three loans in 00:12:53.240 --> 00:12:57.620 France. But obviously he excelled while he was 00:12:57.620 --> 00:13:00.840 there. He grew as a person and as a player. And 00:13:00.840 --> 00:13:04.399 he's proven to Arsenal that he's been one of 00:13:04.399 --> 00:13:08.240 the best signings in recent years. On Saka's 00:13:08.240 --> 00:13:11.100 next goal involvement, being his 100th in the 00:13:11.100 --> 00:13:14.779 Premier League. 100, 101 and 102, hopefully on 00:13:14.779 --> 00:13:17.639 Sunday. I think that's in less than 200 games 00:13:17.639 --> 00:13:20.000 as well, which is a really impressive record. 00:13:20.200 --> 00:13:23.039 That tells you again, when we talk about consistency 00:13:23.039 --> 00:13:26.039 of attacking players, creative players, that's 00:13:26.039 --> 00:13:28.759 very rare to find. And at his age, especially 00:13:28.759 --> 00:13:32.509 more. But that's the talent that we have. Well, 00:13:32.549 --> 00:13:35.850 I mean, hopefully Bukayo can reach that landmark 00:13:35.850 --> 00:13:39.049 because he's an exceptional talent. He deserves 00:13:39.049 --> 00:13:42.350 everything he gets and hopefully he's the next 00:13:42.350 --> 00:13:47.269 player to sign a new contract. On the biggest 00:13:47.269 --> 00:13:50.409 challenge facing Eddie Howe's side, it's a lot 00:13:50.409 --> 00:13:52.350 of games that you have to dominate when you play 00:13:52.350 --> 00:13:54.809 against them. Now we have to be ready because 00:13:54.809 --> 00:13:57.909 they continue so rapidly, so quickly. It's a 00:13:57.909 --> 00:14:00.629 really intense match. We will prepare for that. 00:14:01.289 --> 00:14:03.809 We know that as well, but increasing especially 00:14:03.809 --> 00:14:07.750 our efficiency and two very specific key things, 00:14:07.889 --> 00:14:10.029 I think it gives us the best chance to win the 00:14:10.029 --> 00:14:13.870 game. Yeah, I mean, I think it's more so getting 00:14:13.870 --> 00:14:17.990 the team right. The risk is, or the big question 00:14:17.990 --> 00:14:21.169 is, where you play Eze or if he plays, because 00:14:21.169 --> 00:14:23.389 there's a chance Eze may be on the bench. I mean, 00:14:23.389 --> 00:14:27.090 that would be folly if Eze is not in a certain 00:14:27.090 --> 00:14:30.070 line -up. That would be ridiculous, you know? 00:14:31.200 --> 00:14:34.139 But it's a question of where you play him to 00:14:34.139 --> 00:14:38.700 determine how, in quotation marks, brave he is 00:14:38.700 --> 00:14:43.039 or is being in that game. So, for instance, if 00:14:43.039 --> 00:14:46.539 Eze plays centrally, then you're like, rah, okay. 00:14:47.779 --> 00:14:51.639 You're kind of going for it, in quotation marks. 00:14:51.860 --> 00:14:54.320 However, plays on the left and he puts Mourinho 00:14:54.320 --> 00:14:57.399 in, it's like kind of handbrake -ish vibes again. 00:14:57.759 --> 00:15:02.899 But Eze to kind of... you know, inflict his wizardry 00:15:02.899 --> 00:15:05.940 upon the opponent. So it'll be interesting to 00:15:05.940 --> 00:15:09.000 see what kind of team that Arteta goes for because 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:11.500 there's options and players that can come in. 00:15:12.100 --> 00:15:14.259 However, with Newcastle, we know what we're going 00:15:14.259 --> 00:15:16.600 to get. We pretty much know what starting XI 00:15:16.600 --> 00:15:21.600 is going to be. So, yeah. On plenty of players 00:15:21.600 --> 00:15:24.529 having signed new contracts recently. extremely 00:15:24.529 --> 00:15:27.610 happy every time i sit with a player and we discuss 00:15:27.610 --> 00:15:30.649 with the club and what their intentions are the 00:15:30.649 --> 00:15:32.889 first thing they say is that they want to continue 00:15:32.889 --> 00:15:35.929 with us they want to win with us they want to 00:15:35.929 --> 00:15:37.889 continue to grow with us in this environment 00:15:37.889 --> 00:15:40.490 that's a great thing to have because it's not 00:15:40.490 --> 00:15:42.870 always the case we don't take it for granted 00:15:42.870 --> 00:15:45.429 but that means that obviously the club is doing 00:15:45.429 --> 00:15:47.750 really well as well to make their people and 00:15:47.750 --> 00:15:50.230 their staff feel very valuable and happy here 00:15:50.230 --> 00:15:54.230 yeah i mean I think the main thing is winning 00:15:54.230 --> 00:15:56.549 creates a great environment because everyone's 00:15:56.549 --> 00:16:00.570 happy. When the players that aren't in the squad 00:16:00.570 --> 00:16:04.649 are in a winning team, there's nothing to complain 00:16:04.649 --> 00:16:06.909 about because a winning team, you don't really 00:16:06.909 --> 00:16:10.190 make changes. However, when things aren't going 00:16:10.190 --> 00:16:12.370 well, that's when the problems arise where you 00:16:12.370 --> 00:16:15.509 might see players upset that they're not starting, 00:16:15.710 --> 00:16:22.309 disenchanted, not really... with it and training. 00:16:22.529 --> 00:16:26.370 So it's important to keep the culture, a winning 00:16:26.370 --> 00:16:29.429 culture. You know, obviously there looks like 00:16:29.429 --> 00:16:32.590 a good camaraderie between the squad, between 00:16:32.590 --> 00:16:35.750 the players. So the main thing is giving all 00:16:35.750 --> 00:16:38.509 the players an opportunity or making all the 00:16:38.509 --> 00:16:40.950 players feel that there is an opportunity to 00:16:40.950 --> 00:16:44.409 get minutes and to feature and to play a prominent 00:16:44.409 --> 00:16:48.470 role in our quest for trophies this season and 00:16:48.470 --> 00:16:53.049 beyond. On how the club has evolved since he 00:16:53.049 --> 00:16:55.929 was playing in the team. I think the circumstances 00:16:55.929 --> 00:16:58.129 were different because we moved to the Emirates. 00:16:58.250 --> 00:17:00.850 The club had other needs, so it would be difficult 00:17:00.850 --> 00:17:03.629 to compare. What I can say again is that I'm 00:17:03.629 --> 00:17:06.710 extremely happy that players are feeling so committed 00:17:06.710 --> 00:17:10.009 and so willing to continue with us because we 00:17:10.009 --> 00:17:12.250 want to do the same and continue with them because 00:17:12.250 --> 00:17:15.049 they've been exceptional for us. Okay, it seems 00:17:15.049 --> 00:17:18.150 that Arteta sidestepped that question. He swerved 00:17:18.150 --> 00:17:21.950 it. Swerved it. Like Roberto Carlos free kick. 00:17:22.089 --> 00:17:26.289 But yeah, basically what he's saying is when 00:17:26.289 --> 00:17:29.250 Arteta was with the club, we had to sell players 00:17:29.250 --> 00:17:32.289 to kind of stay afloat, pay off the stadium debt 00:17:32.289 --> 00:17:34.369 and things like that. And we weren't really going 00:17:34.369 --> 00:17:37.769 for the title like that. However, now we're kind 00:17:37.769 --> 00:17:41.210 of a behemoth of a team now. We're really going 00:17:41.210 --> 00:17:46.799 hammer and tong for big trophies. We're within 00:17:46.799 --> 00:17:49.400 the top four or five favourites for the Champions 00:17:49.400 --> 00:17:51.880 League and we're second favourites for the league. 00:17:52.539 --> 00:17:54.440 We've been going toe -to -toe with Liverpool 00:17:54.440 --> 00:17:57.279 for two seasons now. We went toe -to -toe with 00:17:57.279 --> 00:18:01.980 Man City for three prior to that. So, you know, 00:18:02.099 --> 00:18:05.599 we're not going away. We've been at a high consistent 00:18:05.599 --> 00:18:10.799 level or consistently high level for a long time 00:18:10.799 --> 00:18:13.240 now. But it's just about getting over that line. 00:18:14.059 --> 00:18:15.980 And to get over that line, you've got to win 00:18:15.980 --> 00:18:20.599 at places like Newcastle. On if there will be 00:18:20.599 --> 00:18:24.059 some news on Bukayo's contract soon. I would 00:18:24.059 --> 00:18:26.500 love that. From everything that I know, he's 00:18:26.500 --> 00:18:28.779 a player that is extremely happy and proud to 00:18:28.779 --> 00:18:31.279 be here and have the role that he has at the 00:18:31.279 --> 00:18:33.500 football club. Things will develop in a natural 00:18:33.500 --> 00:18:36.640 way like they always do. We know everybody knows 00:18:36.640 --> 00:18:39.259 how important Bukayo is for us. So hopefully 00:18:39.259 --> 00:18:42.180 we can do it. Yeah, I mean, it's my understanding 00:18:42.180 --> 00:18:46.650 that he's, happy at the club. He's obviously 00:18:46.650 --> 00:18:50.289 a loved boy at the club. He's vice captain. He's 00:18:50.289 --> 00:18:55.230 in his prime, 24, just turned 24. You know, he's 00:18:55.230 --> 00:18:57.390 an Arsenal boy through and through, come through 00:18:57.390 --> 00:18:59.769 the youth set up. So there's no real reason for 00:18:59.769 --> 00:19:04.910 him to leave. And I think of the two, of Saliba 00:19:04.910 --> 00:19:07.069 and Saka, you would have thought Saka would have 00:19:07.069 --> 00:19:13.339 been the easiest one to kind of get. renewal 00:19:13.339 --> 00:19:16.680 from but yeah I think it's just a matter of time 00:19:16.680 --> 00:19:21.460 before both players see the renewal is announced 00:19:21.460 --> 00:19:25.140 by the club of course on how much pride he takes 00:19:25.140 --> 00:19:28.019 in players wanting to stay here I was quite direct 00:19:28.019 --> 00:19:31.519 with them because when you hear that noise and 00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:33.619 you can understand that there are certain expectations 00:19:33.619 --> 00:19:37.880 at the end players have feelings have been educated 00:19:37.880 --> 00:19:40.660 in their families maybe dreaming about something 00:19:40.660 --> 00:19:43.269 one day And that's a really natural thing to 00:19:43.269 --> 00:19:46.750 have. When I saw that with William, I asked him 00:19:46.750 --> 00:19:49.210 the question. He said, no, I want to stay here. 00:19:49.549 --> 00:19:52.849 I want to play here for you. I'm very happy in 00:19:52.849 --> 00:19:56.690 his own way. So that's great to hear. OK, so 00:19:56.690 --> 00:20:00.390 I think he's kind of referring to that typical. 00:20:01.710 --> 00:20:03.789 Oh, I've always wanted to play for Real Madrid 00:20:03.789 --> 00:20:07.250 or Barcelona since I was a kid type of storyline, 00:20:07.450 --> 00:20:10.789 which most players have when they kind of. you 00:20:10.789 --> 00:20:15.630 know, try and seek a move. However, with William 00:20:15.630 --> 00:20:18.130 Saliba, you're not getting that vibe from him. 00:20:18.210 --> 00:20:21.450 I mean, I've heard that he's an Arsenal fan from 00:20:21.450 --> 00:20:24.549 young. I don't know how true that is, but to 00:20:24.549 --> 00:20:27.569 some extent, there is an affinity with the club 00:20:27.569 --> 00:20:31.549 going back a few years. So I think things like 00:20:31.549 --> 00:20:36.130 that make it easier for a player to kind of want 00:20:36.130 --> 00:20:39.250 to continue at the club, let alone the talent. 00:20:40.319 --> 00:20:42.960 the potential that we have to achieve great things. 00:20:43.140 --> 00:20:45.940 But, like I said already earlier on in the podcast, 00:20:46.299 --> 00:20:49.640 it's, you know, you've got to get over the line. 00:20:51.319 --> 00:20:54.420 On Real Madrid's reported interest in Saliba, 00:20:54.599 --> 00:20:57.299 in general, I don't want to be specific, but 00:20:57.299 --> 00:20:59.579 it was obvious the amount of noise that was around 00:20:59.579 --> 00:21:02.940 certain clubs. We don't have to name any teams, 00:21:02.940 --> 00:21:06.059 but they're... are not as well that many that 00:21:06.059 --> 00:21:08.779 can come and get William out of Arsenal. So it 00:21:08.779 --> 00:21:11.960 was clear. And again, he was so transparent and 00:21:11.960 --> 00:21:15.099 honest from the beginning. Okay. Arteta's doing 00:21:15.099 --> 00:21:17.859 that thing again where he's not naming the obvious. 00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:21.140 Yes, it's Real Madrid. I mean, when you say there 00:21:21.140 --> 00:21:24.220 are not many teams that can get a play out, if 00:21:24.220 --> 00:21:26.720 there's any team that can get a play out of Arsenal 00:21:26.720 --> 00:21:31.519 or teams with an S, it'll be Barcelona and Real 00:21:31.519 --> 00:21:35.210 Madrid where we've lost... A few players over 00:21:35.210 --> 00:21:42.049 the years too. But teams like Bayern Munich, 00:21:42.190 --> 00:21:46.589 Liverpool, Man United, I'm not sure right now. 00:21:46.730 --> 00:21:49.130 Obviously, they're probably bigger clubs as a 00:21:49.130 --> 00:21:53.390 whole, but I don't think that's an upward step 00:21:53.390 --> 00:21:56.589 by moving from Arsenal to those three aforementioned 00:21:56.589 --> 00:22:01.180 teams. Liverpool is probably a sideways that 00:22:01.180 --> 00:22:02.940 I think Liverpool and Arsenal kind of neck and 00:22:02.940 --> 00:22:05.460 neck right now. But yeah, it's clear that he's 00:22:05.460 --> 00:22:07.579 referring to Real Madrid. Let's have it right. 00:22:07.680 --> 00:22:10.640 Let's cut the crap out. On the atmosphere at 00:22:10.640 --> 00:22:13.720 St. James' Park. Incredibly beautiful. I think 00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:15.880 it's one of the best football atmospheres in 00:22:15.880 --> 00:22:18.900 this country. As a player, as a fan, as a coach, 00:22:19.140 --> 00:22:21.720 you want to live in this atmosphere. They play 00:22:21.720 --> 00:22:24.519 every single ball with you. It's electric. There 00:22:24.519 --> 00:22:27.400 is so much support there and it's one team, one 00:22:27.400 --> 00:22:29.839 city. I think that makes it different as well. 00:22:30.119 --> 00:22:32.519 It's such a challenge and opportunity as well. 00:22:32.640 --> 00:22:36.940 So it's a great game to play. I think one thing 00:22:36.940 --> 00:22:38.900 that has gone over a lot of people's heads is 00:22:38.900 --> 00:22:44.160 that if you actually go back a number of years, 00:22:44.279 --> 00:22:47.200 if I'm not wrong, Newcastle didn't score a single 00:22:47.200 --> 00:22:50.680 goal against us in the Premier League. for 10 00:22:50.680 --> 00:22:54.660 years around 10 years so it's only of recent 00:22:54.660 --> 00:22:56.900 that we've struggled up there at St James's Park 00:22:56.900 --> 00:23:00.079 because we always used to win there before our 00:23:00.079 --> 00:23:03.799 little issues you know where we're they've become 00:23:03.799 --> 00:23:08.599 our bogey side of essentially so I think if we 00:23:08.599 --> 00:23:13.460 can go there and win that arrests that poor record. 00:23:13.680 --> 00:23:16.079 Well, let's score first. How about that? Let's 00:23:16.079 --> 00:23:18.660 score there because that's what we have not been 00:23:18.660 --> 00:23:21.180 doing in recent years. So I think if we can go 00:23:21.180 --> 00:23:24.140 and get the first goal, get a win, then it's 00:23:24.140 --> 00:23:26.839 like, okay, cool. And then you go there again 00:23:26.839 --> 00:23:29.460 and get another result, then you can kind of 00:23:29.460 --> 00:23:35.640 remove that bogey team tag. But for us to win, 00:23:35.720 --> 00:23:38.039 we've got to do things right. We've got to do 00:23:38.039 --> 00:23:39.599 things that we haven't done in recent years. 00:23:40.190 --> 00:23:43.769 which is create chances, which is defend well, 00:23:43.950 --> 00:23:46.990 which is to win that physical battle in midfield. 00:23:47.130 --> 00:23:49.269 So there's a number of things we've got to do 00:23:49.269 --> 00:23:53.089 to be able to put ourselves and give ourselves 00:23:53.089 --> 00:23:55.890 the best chance of getting the best possible 00:23:55.890 --> 00:23:59.630 result. On what he took from their game against 00:23:59.630 --> 00:24:02.329 Barcelona, there are two ways to look at that 00:24:02.329 --> 00:24:05.339 game with a tactical view. It's on mute or put 00:24:05.339 --> 00:24:07.640 the volume up. And I decided to put the volume 00:24:07.640 --> 00:24:10.660 up just to understand. In every decision, there 00:24:10.660 --> 00:24:13.380 is an emotional contribution. And certainly when 00:24:13.380 --> 00:24:15.680 you have to play your game and the way you want 00:24:15.680 --> 00:24:18.119 to play there, you have to be able to do it in 00:24:18.119 --> 00:24:20.119 that atmosphere. And I think that's beautiful. 00:24:20.519 --> 00:24:23.019 Yeah, I mean, in the game that Newcastle played 00:24:23.019 --> 00:24:25.259 against Barcelona, yeah, Newcastle started the 00:24:25.259 --> 00:24:29.500 game well. Barcelona rode out that first 20 minutes 00:24:29.500 --> 00:24:32.019 to half an hour. And eventually their quality 00:24:32.019 --> 00:24:38.240 told. Similar to when Barcelona played Real Oviedo 00:24:38.240 --> 00:24:41.539 yesterday. They were 1 -0 down. And then they 00:24:41.539 --> 00:24:44.460 just kind of brought on Lewandowski and just 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:46.759 tore them to shreds and ended up winning 3 -1. 00:24:47.099 --> 00:24:51.039 I actually fell asleep while that game was on. 00:24:51.079 --> 00:24:52.900 I woke up and thought it was 3 -1. I was like, 00:24:52.960 --> 00:24:56.140 yeah, yeah, yeah. Typical Barca. But yeah, I'm 00:24:56.140 --> 00:24:58.319 always waxing lyrical about Barcelona. But I 00:24:58.319 --> 00:25:01.670 thought to myself today, actually. that if Barcelona 00:25:01.670 --> 00:25:04.089 were to play against us, I think they would hate 00:25:04.089 --> 00:25:09.170 that because we can get at their defence. However, 00:25:09.329 --> 00:25:13.529 I think our defence could potentially contain 00:25:13.529 --> 00:25:16.609 their attack, which is the best in Europe for 00:25:16.609 --> 00:25:20.569 me. However, people like Lamin Yamal could be 00:25:20.569 --> 00:25:24.170 a game -changer. I think that Arsenal against 00:25:24.170 --> 00:25:26.210 Barcelona would be such an interesting game. 00:25:26.450 --> 00:25:28.390 I think, personally, they'll be favourites for 00:25:28.390 --> 00:25:32.880 that game. You won't be putting my money on them 00:25:32.880 --> 00:25:35.920 to play against us, put it that way. But yeah, 00:25:36.019 --> 00:25:37.900 that would be a very intriguing match -up just 00:25:37.900 --> 00:25:40.660 to see how we kind of cope with their flair and 00:25:40.660 --> 00:25:44.940 how they cope with us. On his conversations with 00:25:44.940 --> 00:25:47.980 Saliba in the past that helped them get on the 00:25:47.980 --> 00:25:51.289 same page, there were a few. The last one, it 00:25:51.289 --> 00:25:53.329 was unfortunately over the phone because it was 00:25:53.329 --> 00:25:55.970 during COVID. I said, listen, I have to be honest. 00:25:56.069 --> 00:25:58.230 The last thing that I want is you being here 00:25:58.230 --> 00:26:00.289 and you not playing the football that, in my 00:26:00.289 --> 00:26:02.609 opinion, you have to play in order to continue 00:26:02.609 --> 00:26:05.089 to develop. The club was on board with that. 00:26:05.210 --> 00:26:08.009 And after that, when I saw him and looked in 00:26:08.009 --> 00:26:10.450 his eyes, I said, in my opinion, you are ready. 00:26:10.650 --> 00:26:13.150 What do you think? And he said, yeah, I'm ready. 00:26:13.970 --> 00:26:16.950 And then everything started to flourish. So this 00:26:16.950 --> 00:26:20.950 just... Makes it sound like there was big friction 00:26:20.950 --> 00:26:24.549 between them at the start. But they kind of compromised 00:26:24.549 --> 00:26:27.829 and said, right, you know what? You're talented. 00:26:28.230 --> 00:26:33.369 I rate you. You want to start your career at 00:26:33.369 --> 00:26:37.289 Arsenal. Let's meet in the middle. And they both 00:26:37.289 --> 00:26:40.430 haven't looked back since. On what it was that 00:26:40.430 --> 00:26:44.109 made him ready during that year. When I started 00:26:44.109 --> 00:26:47.650 seeing it training. The things that, in my opinion, 00:26:47.750 --> 00:26:50.650 are the basics that you need to absolutely dominate 00:26:50.650 --> 00:26:53.509 to play as a centre -back in the league. OK, 00:26:53.609 --> 00:26:56.190 I wonder what he's referring to. Is it physicality? 00:26:57.230 --> 00:27:02.210 Is it communication? Well, I mean, he hasn't 00:27:02.210 --> 00:27:06.569 really... Who knows? On how important the first 00:27:06.569 --> 00:27:09.690 five minutes of games in tough atmospheres are. 00:27:10.440 --> 00:27:12.480 The first five minutes are the most important 00:27:12.480 --> 00:27:16.720 minutes for the first five minutes. What does 00:27:16.720 --> 00:27:19.599 that even mean? Oh man, that's like a riddle, 00:27:19.599 --> 00:27:22.779 bruv. And then the next five minutes until the 00:27:22.779 --> 00:27:25.980 referee blows the whistle is everything. Momentum, 00:27:25.980 --> 00:27:28.339 tendencies and feelings in relation to how the 00:27:28.339 --> 00:27:30.400 team is feeling in that moment on the pitch. 00:27:30.559 --> 00:27:33.440 But at the end, you need to be dominant for long 00:27:33.440 --> 00:27:35.980 periods of time to win there. And that's what 00:27:35.980 --> 00:27:39.289 we'll try to do on Sunday. Well, it's just about 00:27:39.289 --> 00:27:42.789 getting the team right. But dominant's an interesting 00:27:42.789 --> 00:27:51.009 phrase because, yeah, being dominant, is it having 00:27:51.009 --> 00:27:54.890 more shots? Is it having the ball? Is it having 00:27:54.890 --> 00:27:58.309 the ball and shots, the ball and more shots than 00:27:58.309 --> 00:28:01.269 the opponent? Because, you know, in most of the 00:28:01.269 --> 00:28:03.750 games, we have more of the ball, but we're not 00:28:03.750 --> 00:28:05.890 really having shots. So it begs the question, 00:28:06.130 --> 00:28:08.920 are we dominant? or are we controlling the game? 00:28:09.019 --> 00:28:12.579 Because it might be the same thing. It's all 00:28:12.579 --> 00:28:16.799 semantics. So for me, having the ball means you're 00:28:16.799 --> 00:28:18.440 controlling the game, but it doesn't necessarily 00:28:18.440 --> 00:28:21.019 mean you're dominant. I think if you're having 00:28:21.019 --> 00:28:23.539 the ball and having more shots and having the 00:28:23.539 --> 00:28:26.240 corners, that's dominating, because dominant 00:28:26.240 --> 00:28:32.680 is like a complete and utter, you know, domination, 00:28:32.900 --> 00:28:36.950 really. on if we're going to keep the same philosophy 00:28:36.950 --> 00:28:40.750 from our 1 -0 win at home to Newcastle last season. 00:28:41.309 --> 00:28:44.130 Every game will be different. I didn't like the 00:28:44.130 --> 00:28:46.130 first minutes that we played at the Emirates 00:28:46.130 --> 00:28:49.269 against them. I liked other parts of it. There 00:28:49.269 --> 00:28:51.470 are a lot of parts I liked about the games we 00:28:51.470 --> 00:28:53.930 played at St James' Park, but not especially 00:28:53.930 --> 00:28:57.170 when we conceded the goals, but we will have 00:28:57.170 --> 00:28:59.720 to be better. I think the level is better. Their 00:28:59.720 --> 00:29:02.519 level will rise. Our level will rise. And we're 00:29:02.519 --> 00:29:04.839 going to have to be our best. If we do that, 00:29:04.940 --> 00:29:07.119 we're going to have a good chance to win the 00:29:07.119 --> 00:29:09.640 game. I mean, I agree with that. He's effectively 00:29:09.640 --> 00:29:12.059 saying if Arsenal are at their best, then they're 00:29:12.059 --> 00:29:13.940 going to win without saying they're going to 00:29:13.940 --> 00:29:15.859 win because no manager ever says that in a press 00:29:15.859 --> 00:29:20.380 conference. But I'm not really sure about what 00:29:20.380 --> 00:29:22.740 he's saying. There are a lot of parts he liked 00:29:22.740 --> 00:29:26.289 about. when we played at St James's because we 00:29:26.289 --> 00:29:28.869 usually play horribly there. Last season, we 00:29:28.869 --> 00:29:32.230 played them around November. We lost 1 -0. I 00:29:32.230 --> 00:29:35.289 believe that was our second defeat of the season 00:29:35.289 --> 00:29:38.930 and we only lost two more after that to West 00:29:38.930 --> 00:29:42.150 Ham and Bournemouth. We created nothing. They 00:29:42.150 --> 00:29:46.150 scored a fantastic goal from Anthony Gordon -Cross 00:29:46.150 --> 00:29:49.089 and Alexandre Isaac -Hedda. Do you know, actually, 00:29:49.170 --> 00:29:52.819 I've not watched that goal. I have not seen that 00:29:52.819 --> 00:29:55.359 goal. I know what happened. But whenever Arsenal 00:29:55.359 --> 00:29:57.859 lose, I never watch the highlights. And I just 00:29:57.859 --> 00:30:00.220 didn't watch the game because I wasn't able to 00:30:00.220 --> 00:30:02.759 watch it. I wasn't at home. So I've literally 00:30:02.759 --> 00:30:05.359 not seen that goal. But I know it was a kind 00:30:05.359 --> 00:30:08.779 of fantastic cross and a header from Isak. And 00:30:08.779 --> 00:30:12.660 even the game against Man City in the FA Cup 00:30:12.660 --> 00:30:17.670 in January 23, I believe. When Nathan Ake scored, 00:30:18.049 --> 00:30:20.490 was it a header from a corner or a free kick? 00:30:20.710 --> 00:30:22.990 I haven't seen that go either. So whenever Arsenal 00:30:22.990 --> 00:30:26.450 lose and I'm not watching a game live, I never 00:30:26.450 --> 00:30:31.970 watch it back. On if he'll be asking Eze to produce 00:30:31.970 --> 00:30:35.089 more balls over the top for Martinelli. Yeah. 00:30:35.950 --> 00:30:38.849 Especially if he drops and puts the balls through 00:30:38.849 --> 00:30:41.680 like he did against Man City. I will tell him 00:30:41.680 --> 00:30:46.400 to do it very, very often. Do it, Ebereche. Do 00:30:46.400 --> 00:30:49.140 it. Peace.