FC Arsenal defender Gabriel attended the pre-match press conference for the 2nd matchday of the UEFA Champions League group stage ahead of the home fixture against OSC Lille. In the first part of the press conference, Gabriel discussed the team's performance this season, his experience of missing a penalty in last season's Champions League elimination, the consolation from Marquinhos, his feelings about returning to the Champions League to face his former club OSC Lille, and his partnership with new signing Ngoyo.

Reporter: Hi Gabby. A crucial win at the weekend, and throughout this season the team has repeatedly shown strong mental resilience to fight for victory. What are your thoughts on the start to the new season and the team spirit displayed?

Gabriel: I think that's exactly the state we want to be in—maintaining a good mentality in every match. We've had a very strong start to the season, so yes, I think we need to keep this momentum going and continue trusting each other. That's what we want.

Reporter: Back to the Champions League: I know you played one match this season, but this is your first home game. How do you feel after last season and the difficult moments in the final of this competition?

Gabriel: I think we're really happy to be back in the Champions League. We want to maintain this momentum. We played very well in last season's Champions League, so yes, I think this is another great opportunity for us to compete for the Champions League again.

Reporter: Gabby. Mikel (Arteta) just spoke about the unfortunate missed penalty, and he also praised your character as a defender who stepped up without hesitation to take such a crucial penalty. Even though the result wasn't ideal, are you most proud of being able to step in when the team needed you?

Gabriel: I think in a final, anything can happen. Yes, I think we played very well, and as I said, in the Champions League… Of course, if there's another penalty, I'll still be there to take it. Yes, I think… After that, my teammates helped me a lot. Of course, I was sad at the time; nobody wants to miss a penalty. But of course I'll learn from it, and if I get another chance, I'm ready to take it.

Reporter: For the team, everyone, and the coaching staff, after this heartbreak, is everyone more determined to go further this season?

Gabriel: Of course. In every competition, as I said, we've had a very strong start, we know our goals and what we want to achieve this season. So yes, I think everyone is ready. As I said, we want to fight for every trophy we're in.

Reporter: It's great to speak with you. You're now a true leader at the club, but obviously, when you were much younger, your career in Europe began at OSC Lille. How special is it for you to face them in the Champions League?

Gabriel: I think it will be a very special day for me. I have a deep affection for OSC Lille. Of course… of course it's something special, thank you.

Reporter: You almost spoke French.

Gabriel: Yes. I think, as I said, it's a special day for me, seeing the fans there and playing against OSC Lille. So yes, I'm really looking forward to seeing them.

Reporter: Your English is really good, by the way.

Gabriel: Thank you.

Reporter: Really good. Gabby, it's nice to see you. I'm sorry to bring up the penalty one last time, but many people noticed that Marquinhos was the first to come and embrace and comfort you. What did it mean to you that a player you know well, rather than celebrating himself first, came to comfort you in that moment?

Gabriel: Yes, I think that he came to me and showed his very noble character. Of course, he also missed a penalty at the World Cup, so he's been through a lot in that regard. What he said to me in that moment helped me greatly. I spoke with him afterwards and thanked him, because it was a very difficult moment. But I think… he's one of the players I really admire, and I enjoyed playing with him in the national team, and I've also learned a lot from him. So yes, I'm very grateful to him, because it was a very difficult moment for me.

Reporter: Normally when I see FC Arsenal's starting lineup, it's usually Gabriel next to Saliba. This season you have a new partner alongside you, Ezri Ngoyo. How does it feel to play with him?

Gabriel: Yes, since he came to FC Arsenal, in my opinion he's adapted very quickly. He's a top player, and yes, we really enjoy playing with him. Of course, we have the best centre-backs at FC Arsenal, so we want to raise our level. And of course, since he joined and has been playing, I think we've harmonized well together.

Reporter: Last question. About Olivier Giroud, whom you may face tomorrow. He was a fan favorite at FC Arsenal and Chelsea. I'm not sure if you've ever played with or against him before in France?

Gabriel: I've never played against him. But I know he played very well during his time at FC Arsenal, and he's an outstanding player. Yes, it doesn't really matter who we play against, I just want to win. But yes, I'd be happy if he plays; he's a great striker, and we all know his career and his many achievements.

Reporter: Ezri Ngoyo as your new centre-back partner during William Saliba's injury—what other qualities has he brought to FC Arsenal compared to Saliba? Saliba is of course known to everyone as a great defender, but Ngoyo also seems to have integrated quickly into FC Arsenal. What do you think about your new partner?

Gabriel: As I said, he's integrated very quickly with us, and we know his abilities. Of course, it feels a bit different, because I've been playing with Saliba for three or four years now, and we've made great strides in that time. For Ezri, it's just the beginning. Yes, I think he'll enjoy being with us, and of course we still have a lot to improve, but I think we're on the right track.

Übersetzt von KI.

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