Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has contemplated the team’s checkered history in the Champions League Round of 16 as they return to the competition this season for the first time since 2017. Ahead of their upcoming knockout clash against FC Porto, Arteta dismissed the relevance of the club’s past failures in this stage.
During the period from 2011 to 2017, Arsenal faced setbacks in the Round of 16, succumbing to seven consecutive defeats that included three losses to Bayern Munich and two to Barcelona. Now, with a renewed focus, Arsenal is determined to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.
Arteta emphasized the current challenge and ambition of the team, acknowledging the past but deeming it irrelevant. He pointed out that some players were part of the squad during those challenging years and are aware of the history. Despite facing formidable opponents like Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich multiple times, Arteta highlighted the importance of individual quality, attention to details, and the necessity for players to perform at their best when crucial moments arise in the competition.