Mikel Arteta says Arsenal must focus on enjoying their progress rather than looking too far into the future, after agreeing a new contract that could keep him at the club for more than a decade.
Arteta, who has been Arsenal manager for almost seven years, spoke ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Leeds United, with the north London club hosting the newly promoted side in the competition’s sixth round.
The Spaniard declined to comment on the ongoing legal case involving Manchester City, whose appeal against a guilty ruling is still being processed.
“I completely understand the question, but it is very important that we respect the entire legal and judicial process,” Arteta said. “This remains an ongoing, unresolved matter and an appeal has been filed. Our clear position as a club is that we will not comment further until it has been fully and finally resolved.”
Asked whether the surrounding attention could make Manchester City’s title challenge more difficult, or motivate them, Arteta said Arsenal could only concentrate on their own preparations.
“We cannot control that,” he said. “What we can control is how we have prepared since the international players returned, to be in the best possible shape to perform better than Leeds United tomorrow and beat them.”
Arteta described his contract extension as an honour and said its negotiation had been a positive experience for both parties.
“My family and I are very grateful to continue this incredible journey,” he said. “The club and I want exactly the same things, and I particularly appreciated the professional way it was handled.”
He said the most important moment in any contract negotiation was seeing the people involved smiling and showing excitement before signing. Arteta highlighted Stan Kroenke, Josh Kroenke, CEO Richard Garlick, James, Sporting Director Andrea Berta, the coaching staff and the players.
However, he added that his position had to be earned again every day. Asked whether Arsenal could be building a “dynasty”, Arteta said the club understood the standards and level of competition, while its passion and energy were stronger than before.
“What I am most proud of is how we have done this together,” he said. “Everyone feels part of a very connected whole. The club has a clear identity and vision, a clear path forward and a shared understanding of where we are going.”
Arteta rejected the idea of looking 10 or 20 years ahead, despite comparisons with the careers of Unai Emery, Jose Mourinho, David Moyes, Carlo Ancelotti and Arsene Wenger.
“My focus is today and, hopefully, tomorrow,” he said. “The most important thing is to enjoy the journey. That is the biggest lesson I have learned over the past seven years.”
Declan Rice’s fitness will be assessed after a number of minor injury issues since returning from the World Cup. Arteta said the midfielder’s workload was being managed carefully and hoped he would be available against Leeds United, although several other players remained doubts.
Kai Havertz and Ezri Konsa returned early from international duty after discussions with Jurgen Klopp and the England training camp respectively. Tzolis is expected to miss a few weeks with a muscle injury and cannot play.
Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera are available after working to be fit for the match against Brighton, while Ben White is also fit.
