“We Can Compete Against Any Team” – Arteta Urges Arsenal to Keep Their Feet on the Ground Ahead of Ipswich Clash

Here are five key takeaways from Mikel Arteta’s pre-Ipswich press conference

Mikel Arteta spoke to the press at London Colney ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Portman Road to take on Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Sunday. Still riding the high of Wednesday’s success at the Bernabeu, Arteta had plenty to say. Here are five key takeaways from his press conference.

Winning in Europe inspires belief

Reflecting on the Madrid win, Arteta delivered a line that sums up the current belief within the squad:

“We can compete in any context against any team in any competition. Now the next step is consistency, do it in the Champions League at that level. Now we come, go to Ipswich against a really tough team and do it again.”

A message of ambition, suggesting that the challenge is not capability, but consistency.

Declan Rice has been a standout and is becoming a defining figure in the club

Arteta didn’t hold back when asked about Declan Rice and the role he has played as a leader in the team.

“Performances like he had in this side against Real Madrid actually just puts the player in a different dimension,” said Arteta. “That’s why we brought him here. That’s why we demand him as well to take more steps and to be more decisive in games because he can do it… He’s done it two times in a row. Now he’s maintaining that level of consistency, belief and undoubtedly his role will be bigger and bigger.”

Arsenal must turn focus to winning games in the Premier League

When asked about balancing preparation for the PSG semi-final with the league run-in, Arteta was clear:

“As always, a balance… making sure that players are comfortable and feeling the position that they have to play such a big match. But as I said, the priority now is to win games in the Premier League.”

Despite the glamour of Europe, he’s grounding the squad’s focus on the domestic challenge ahead. 

Ipswich must not be underestimated

Arteta certainly isn’t underestimating Sunday’s opponents, and he knows the importance of taking home three points.

“It’s a big game. We need to start to win football matches in the Premier League to at least maintain the position that we are in and to push into the last few games with some hope… What Kieran McKenna [Ipswich Town manager] and the staff have done is remarkable… So we expect a tough game.”

Some genuine respect for Ipswich from Arteta, and a warning not to drop standards.

Arteta and the team are staying humble after European success

The manager spoke about his growing reputation in Europe after progressing in the Champions League, and he was humble in doing so:

“I think it was a night for the club that was great. And that’s it. And the best ones are still ahead and to come. And we all have a big ambition and big objectives. And we are in the right direction. But the next steps are going to be tough, and we’re going to have to do our best.”

A grounded but quietly confident outlook which has become quite typical for Arteta.

Final Thoughts

Arteta’s message is clear: one magical night in Madrid won’t mean much unless it’s followed by more of the same. With the Premier League race heating up, and a Champions League semi-final on the horizon, every game carries weight for Arsenal.

They have shown they can rise to the occasion, but it’s about proving they can stay there.