Despite the pre-match press conference being cancelled due to flight delays, Arsenal manager Arteta still granted an interview on the eve of the club's first away group stage match in the Champions League against Napoli.

A new Champions League campaign is about to begin. How excited are you about the upcoming matches in this new season?

I'm really, really excited. We all know very well what this great competition means for us – for the team, the club, and the fans. We also have last season's experience to build on. What we need to do now is make a strong start in this extremely difficult away debut, which is tomorrow's match. Even though we're playing in such a difficult place, we're incredibly excited to embark on this new chapter of our Champions League journey.

Over the last three seasons, Arsenal's performance in European competitions has improved consistently – reaching the quarter-finals and semi-finals in successive years, and last season even reaching the final. What efforts do we need to make this season to go one step further and win this trophy, which represents the highest honour in European club football?

It's about getting off to a strong start in tomorrow's match, which is the only thing we can and should focus on right now. Tomorrow we need to deliver a high-level, convincing performance from the start to give ourselves the best chance of winning. That's the first practical step.

In recent years, our away record in the Champions League has been excellent. If I remember correctly, we've lost only one of our last 12 away matches in the Champions League. What do you attribute to such excellent away form and this remarkable consistency?

It's primarily down to the consistency we've shown in our performances and the effort we put into every match. And yes, there's also the fact that, whether playing at home or away, we've demonstrated real control and have been absolutely dominant in our games.This stems from our consistent tactical approach and team identity, and the objectives we strive to achieve in every match. It's also inseparable from the belief of the entire team. We believe deeply and are convinced that we can do this and defeat any opponent away from home.

Napoli now has a new manager, but there are still many familiar faces in their squad for Premier League fans. What are your expectations for tomorrow's opponents? What kind of match do you think it will be?

This will definitely be an extremely difficult away match. I've played in this stadium before, so I know very well the breathtaking atmosphere their supporters can create, and their record in European and home matches is very strong. They also have a very experienced manager and many players in their squad who have played in the Premier League. So yes, we're fully aware of the huge challenge ahead of us. However, we're completely prepared and ready to face it.

Also, going into this match with a perfect 100% winning record so far this season is certainly an ideal position for the team, isn't it?

Yes, that obviously puts you and the team in a very advantageous position. The team is surrounded by high energy and great confidence, which is very important, and that's what we need to show and maintain on the pitch tomorrow.

Traduzido por IA.

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