Every word Mikel Arteta said on Athletic Club win, Martinelli goal and emotional decisions

Mikel Arteta faced the press after his side stole a 2-0 win from Athletic Club after a frenetic clash in San Mames. It was by no means ordained that the Gunners would win this match and the home side were a real threat.

Gabriel Martinelli was the focus of much of the press conference as Mikel Arteta looked to reiterate how much he appreciates all of his players. He expressed that he does not like leaving any players out and how it hurts him.

The phrase ‘finishers’ also re-emerged as well and Arteta detailed the impact of the likes of Leandro Trossard too. And also the reaction of the players to both goals and the family aspect of the team.

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Here is every word Mikel Arteta said to the press during the conference:

Congratulations on a winning start to the Champions League and that squad depth proving important again.

Yes, what an amazing place to play football, and I say one of the best atmospheres that I've played. A really tough match. We knew that the first 20 to 25 minutes were going to be really tough, especially the way they played. So intense, a lot of direct play, a lot of goals. And I think after that, we started to grow throughout the game. In the second half, we were much more dominant and looked much more of a threat. And at the end, the conditions, they made an impact for us to win the game. And overall, very happy.

A lot's been made of the new players, but what does it say about the existing players in the squad, like Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, to be able to come off the bench to have that impact?

That they are at least equally important or more important that we have this squad. That the finishers are going to be more important this season than the starters. And we can change again there, especially with the intensity that we play when the team starts to drop off. I'm very pleased to see that. And Piero comes in and plays six minutes, the best six minutes he's played. Christian is the same, and that's the attitude that we need from all of us.

Just a word about Gabriel Martinelli. It hasn't maybe been the easiest period for him, maybe a little bit of confidence down and some criticism from outside. When you see that kind of response, tell us about his character, his courage, what that shows about him.

Fully deserved it. I adore Gabriel. His attitude, his commitment, his positivity, what he's willing to do for the team. As a family, we certainly value all the qualities that he has, and he brings to the team. And I'm so happy that today he's decided he can cross in the two options.

I've seen the players really gather around Gabby when he scores. Gabriel Jesus actually put on his Instagram that he really thinks he deserves it and that goal. What does it say about your team that they go around a player like that when they have a moment so good?

That's the spirit. That's why I really enjoy every single day working with them and being part of this team, because the way they look after each other is genuine, and they really want the best for each other. And they recognise someone that works every single day in a manner that Gabby does. And you can go through struggles or through moments, and recognising that and having that capacity to connect with him, I think it would mean a lot to him.

This is sort of on a similar theme, but do you think in the way that Gabby felt he had a point to prove because it hasn't been the easiest time for him, do you think that will give him some serious confidence going forward?

Well, I was sure that Gabby was going to react like that. You raise the level to Gabby and he was going to do that. He has such a mentality. He's a player that is constantly willing to learn and he broke himself, demanding more from himself. And that's the moment that hopefully is going to give him the confidence again to go, because he's an outstanding player.

Considering that it was perhaps a special scenario for him and that it was his first Champions League game in the club, what did you think of Zubi's game? (Spanish translation)

Zubi, as always, super stable. I think he controlled the tempo of the game. As the game progressed, much better, because he understood the spaces that there were, where we could weaken the opponent, that our hands didn't run over everything, how we had to turn, and in general, very good. Not only in midfield, I think we've been from less to more. We've found ourselves with a little more space. I think the club has grown.

What feeling has left you from Athletic, especially in the first half? (Spanish translation)

That they are very hard-working, that they are very tough, that they are very clear about what they have to do, that they have a coach who gives them an identity and solutions that are very difficult to solve, and that's why it was so hard for us in the first half. At the moment, I think they've been a bit more physically, but we've also been a little more stable with the ball, and we've travelled more together, and it's been harder for them to run. I think they've had more difficulties, but in general, I repeat, a spectacular atmosphere and a team that I think can compete with anyone.

There was 36 seconds or two of Martial going on, so do you claim the assist for now? What does it feel like when a player does that?

Well, I'd appreciate this, because that way around, it's always very difficult emotionally to lead players out. I know how much they want to play this competition and what it means to them, and every time you're in the line-up, you are disappointing a lot of players. But to have that experience, I looked on the bench, I looked at him, and in his eyes I could see that he was ready, Leo as well. They play with that confidence and that connection between them as well, and it's really good. I think that's going to help us a lot for the future.

That line about finishers can be as important as starters, and what you just said there, disappointing players for the starting line-up, is that a key message this season, given how much competition there is for places? And also, is that something you've picked up from rugby? Is that it?

Yes, I did, and I love it, because I don't like other words to describe the players. And I think, as the game is developing, they're going to be more important in many minutes. So the quality of the minutes, I think, is going to dictate the quality of our season, for sure.

I'd like to ask you, what flavour in the mouth has San Mames left you?, How they have pushed you, and if you think it has any importance in the way the Athletic have played, and the performance they've shown? (Spanish translation)

I loved it. I really loved it. You spoke about inspiration. I think that's the word I'd use. The connection that people have, the passion with which they live the game, the game, their team. And that's inevitable, that energy is transmitted to the players, and that's why I knew it was going to be a very difficult game.

The idea of the strength in depth, the importance of that, the role of the players coming on. I wanted to ask you about managing those players emotionally. As you said, it's difficult, and every time you choose a team, you disappoint them. Are you having to, in part, distribute the minutes to make sure that everyone feels like a participant? And how difficult is it for you to confront that part of the job, the emotional part of it?

Well, I think they know. I was very clear. They know how I feel about them, so they know that when I have to leave a player on the bench or out of the squad, it hurts me. And starting from there, the only thing I can do is my job. I have to make decisions, and I have to make decisions based on increasing the probability of winning football matches, and they know that that's the only reason why I'm going to make certain decisions. Sometimes right, sometimes wrong, and they have to stay like that. And they know that if we want to maintain a certain standard, they are very responsible, not only during matches, but in training sessions, the atmosphere they create, how much they care for each other. So all those things are going to be very critical, and all of them are going to play for sure.

Can we ask about the head injuries to Victor and Mikel Merino?

I think they are good. I haven’t spoken to them but I think they’re all good.