What's the reason behind the current run of form?
We are playing better, we have an understanding of what we want. We have the right level of
confidence, belief and understanding with each other and everything clicks better and quicker.
Advantage to have games in hand?
You don’t know how you’re going to take them because you want to play the games and you
want to get up to speed with other teams because it’s a bit awkward sometimes when
your performances can’t reflect your position in the table at times. It’s what it is,
we knew that as soon we had to replay those games and we’re going to play them soon.
What's the biggest difference between your last meeting with Liverpool?
It’s five months later!
We’re still going to play against arguably the best team or the second best team in the league,
a team that is in great form and we’re certainly going to have to play at our best to beat them.
Is this the best your team have played since you arrived at the club?
I think
with the level of consistency throughout the game and throughout a run of games, I would say yes.
Does being fourth change your mentality?
Well, it certainly puts you in a position where you’re really looking forward to
look up and it gives you the belief that you can be there with the top
teams in the country, but the reality is that there’s still a long way to go.
Will this game be your toughest yet in this current run?
I think we played against some top teams and we played against City not long ago and you know the
problems that they put in. Every week is a test in the Premier League and a very different one, and
the challenges that you face in those games are completely different, but tomorrow certainly is
a team that dominates every aspect of the game, so when that happens you have to be at your best.
How impressive a job has Jurgen Klopp done?
Credit to Jurgen, the coaching staff and to the club as well for
what they have created. They haven't just created a team that can compete and be successful,
They have created a huge cultural understanding of who Liverpool is today.
The stadium and the atmosphere they can create, the support, the level, how they communicate.
It's a long of things, not just individuals, or the players that they have recruited and
the plan that they had to reach that level. It's a whole plan that I really value I think.
Is Liverpool a blueprint for Arsenal to follow?
It's very different because our histories are different, the timings of success are different.
But we all want to achieve the same thing: to be the best team in this league and that's our focus.
How is the players' confidence and do they need a similar performance to the Manchester City game?
You need that type of performance and then you need a result.
The reason why we didn't get that result against City was because we didn't dominate every single
aspect of the game. The moment that you open the door, you know you will be punished. Tomorrow we
are going to have to play at least at that level, or better and control every single scenario.
How important is it to be on the touchline in person after missing the City game?
Hopefully very soon they won't need anybody there!
They can do it for themselves, and understand and interpret everything that
the game requires at that moment, but certainly I will be there with the whole coaching staff and
the rest of the backroom staff supporting the players as much as possible.
Are Arsenal one of the best teams in the country at the moment?
No, there are better teams in the country because that's what the league table shows.
We haven't done anything. What we are doing is try to improve, understand better what we want,
being much more consistent in performance and results, but nothing else as yet.
Are you planning any surprises tactically tomorrow night?
We will see tomorrow.
Would it be a failure to not finish fourth given your position now?
I cannot think like that, I think about today and tomorrow. Being in this position,
what encourages me is to look up in the table,
and look forward. Not to start (looking) in your mirror. I do not think that’s a good sign.
Are Chelsea catchable now, and do you feel sorry for them
(on the football side) for their current issues?
For a lot of people that are part of that club that can suffer any consequences,
obviously yes. But I cannot judge the process or what is happening.
Is Ben White England's best centre half right now?
I don’t know, we are really happy with his performances,
how he has adapted, what he brings to the team certainly. Hopefully he can get rewarded,
because the way that he trains, he looks at himself and the performances that
he’s having. He is certainly creating that attention, from a lot of people.
Do you think Alex Lacazette will stay for next season?
I think with Alex it’s very clear what he brings to the team. He’s shown it
consistently since I’ve been here, and what we have to resolve is the contractual timing,
in the best possible way, and when we all align on the same page.
Does being favourites for the top four bring pressure?
Well, that’s the pressure of playing for this club, to be the best and we’re not
there yet. If the objective is that, it’s not pressure, it has to be a motivation, a challenge
and a clear understanding that the purpose to play for this club is only to be the best
and what we’ve done so far means absolutely nothing and I think everybody has to be
encouraged and empowered by the possibility to find ways to improve and get better.
What could a win do for your season?
Winning another game in this league always gives you momentum. Being able to beat
the most in-form team in the country would be really, really big so that’s the aim tomorrow.
Is this the happiest you've ever been at Arsenal?
Especially because you guys are here! That’s when it changes my life.
Has Pep Guardiola spoken to you ahead of the game?
Not yet, I haven’t heard from him.
Brendan Rodgers calling Aaron Ramsdale the best English goalkeeper?
Well, first thanks to Brendan for thinking that way and I think Aaron has to take
those words to give him confidence and support in what he’s doing.
I always said he’s been exceptional since the day we signed him, not only on the pitch,
but what he transmitted, what he brought to the building, to the club, outside with his
character and personality and that’s the kind of people that we want to bring to the club.
Has the English core made it easier for Ramsdale to adapt?
Certainly, and you can see the understanding and the chemistry that he has with
some of those. The fact that they knew each other for many years, that is always helpful and that
speeds up the process of any adaptation when it’s always difficult at a new club.