Arteta Praises Martinelli and Emphasizes the Vital Importance of ‘Game Changers’
The Arsenal manager revealed his affection for Gabriel Martinelli after the player found the back of the net just moments after being introduced, securing a victory in their Champions League opener against their opponents. The head coach also praised the team spirit within the team, stating that it “is difficult” when he has to omit a squad member, and shared that he prefers to use the term “impact players” rather than “substitutes”—a concept adopted from rugby.
Instant Impact
The game was still goalless when the Brazilian entered the field, but the manager noted that he could see in the player’s eyes that he was focused. Right after entering, Martinelli sprinted away and outmaneuvered the keeper to break the deadlock in the second half. After that, Martinelli delivered the key pass for a fellow finisher, who secured the victory in the final stages.
“He merited that moment. I have huge admiration for him: his mindset, his work ethic, his optimism, his team-first mentality,” commented Arteta.
Team Togetherness
Arteta highlighted the significance of unity, especially following the squad embraced the goalscorer post-score. He reflected the camaraderie as “real” and noted that it brings him joy to coach such a committed team.
“That’s what it’s all about,” he said. “That is the reason I really enjoy daily working with them.”
The Role of ‘Finishers’
He further explained that benching individuals is a challenging aspects of his position. He acknowledged that each team selection frustrates some players, but emphasized that his decisions are based on increasing the likelihood of victory.
Inquired about the term “finishers,” he confirmed that he took it from rugby, saying:
“It resonates with me as I don’t like different labels. With football developing, finishers are increasingly pivotal. The quality of their contributions will determine the quality of our season.”
Arteta concluded by underscoring that each member in the team is important, and that substitutes can often be game-changing than the starting eleven.
