After Arsenal's comeback victory over Leeds United at home in the Premier League, Arsenal defender Calafiori spoke to TNT Sports.

First, congratulations on the win and your goal. How much of a challenge did Leeds United pose today?

Thank you. Yes, it was obviously a very tough game, but we knew it would be before the match. Games are never easy after an international break, especially following our previous loss.

I think we went through some difficult moments, but we deserved the win. We responded very well after conceding.

How difficult is it for the team to rebuild their understanding after three weeks apart, especially after a disappointing loss?

Honestly, it was very difficult, especially since the whole team only trained together twice before the game. But we did well. The most important thing was to win, and we did that.

Keown: Ricardo, last time we spoke, you mentioned the summer. Italy missed out on the World Cup again for the third consecutive time. I know you probably don't want to hear about it now. However, you had a good rest and said you had a responsibility to take on a more leading role when you returned to Arsenal. And you've certainly done that. You've been growing. Can you tell us how you're taking on these responsibilities within the team now?

Yes, as you mentioned, I do feel that responsibility. But I also know this is my third season at Arsenal, so many things naturally become easier. You know what the coach wants, and you know what your teammates need. Therefore, I need to step up in certain areas and take on more responsibility. Physically, I feel great.

I think you can see from my performances on the pitch how I'm helping the team. I hope to continue in this form.

Keown: You also scored a national team goal, right?

Yes.

Keown: Okay, let's look at today's goal. How much patience did you have to show during that build-up? If we look closely at the sequence, we see you positioned as an inverted full-back—a role that didn't exist when we played. Back then, you were just there to deliver the final blow. Let's examine the replay. You had to wait patiently here. What were you thinking at that moment?

Yes, at that moment I wanted to pass to Noni (Madueke) and perhaps run into space. But I saw he was in a one-on-one situation, so I left the space for him to take on his man. Then we regained possession. I was trying to hide my run from the opponent. When I noticed the long pass to Ben White, I realized space had opened up, and I wanted to attack it.

Keown: You were looking for space.

Yes, because I saw no one marking me. So I quickly pushed forward, and there was a bit of luck with the shot—I could have done better—but the ball still went in.

Keown: There was a lot of off-the-ball movement around you, but you made an accurate read and got the result you wanted.

Yes, and then it was a goal.

Ricardo, a few weeks ago when we interviewed Arteta, he called you his "free bird." How much freedom does he actually give you? How much do you enjoy the fact that he doesn't restrict you?

First of all, I really enjoy playing this role in the team. Obviously, every game is different, so you have to be careful in that regard. It's not as spontaneous as it seems on the surface—there's a lot of tactical work behind it. But I think this is my best quality, and he knows that. He's told me so, and I still have a lot of room for improvement.

Do you realize how fierce the competition is within the squad? The bench is absolutely stacked. When you're playing, do you feel like "I have to step up because look who's on the bench behind me"?

Yes, I think squad depth is definitely one of our strongest assets. But to win every game in every competition, you really need that depth. I've mentioned it many times before. In my position, for example, there are also excellent players like Piero. We all know how good he is, and we are different types of players. If I were the coach, I would also be happy because sometimes you need my type of player, and sometimes you need his. He fully understands this, and we will definitely grow well together and play at a very high level.

Joe Cole: Ricardo, what's your favorite position to play? You were signed as a center-back, and I've seen you play center-back for Italy.

Yes. It completely depends on how you're used in this team. If you look back at previous games, with the Italian national team and my season at Bologna, I pushed forward a lot to join the attack. So I really enjoy that style of play.

Keown: You're too good to play center-back.

No, no, no. Honestly, I also like playing center-back. But as a player, my goal is always the same: to play every position as well as possible.

The Champions League resumes next week. How strong is the team's desire to go further than last season?

Two years ago we reached the semi-finals; last year we made it to the final. This season we need to do better. We can't wait to play in the Champions League at home again. It will be another tough game, but we know the Champions League, and we're ready.

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