Manager Mikel Arteta says he will put criticism of Arsenal’s celebrations after their Champions League semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid “where it belongs”.
Arsenal beat Atlético 2-1 on aggregate at the lively Emirates Stadium in Budapest on May 30, setting up their Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
After the final whistle, Arteta took to the pitch with his players to celebrate reaching the Champions League final for the first time since 2006, but the scene of jubilation led to accusations that the celebrations were too much.
Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney said on Amazon Prime: “They deserve to be in this position but they haven’t earned it yet.” “Celebrating is a little too much. If we win, let’s celebrate.”
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Look at Ian Wright’s reaction to ‘Celebrating Police’. Credit: @IanWright0
Arteta laughed on Friday when criticism of the so-called “celebratory police” was directed at him. “First of all, I didn’t know about it,” he said. “We have to respect all opinions and put them where they belong.”
Asked where he would put them, Arteta said: “Where do they belong? I don’t know. It doesn’t matter.”
Arteta insisted Arsenal will “do what is necessary” when they take on reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain, but maintained their focus is firmly on Sunday’s Premier League clash with West Ham, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, in hopes of winning the title.
“Immediately after the game (Tuesday) I said, oh my god, this is great, we won it and we’ll have time to prepare for the final,” he said.
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Former Spurs player Jamie O’Hara also criticized Arsenal’s celebrations.
“After the game I was in a very high emotional state because I knew what it meant to everyone: supporters, players and staff.
“But believe me, my focus, focus and energy at the time was at West Ham and we made that very clear.
“We have to stay here, live in the moment and show the same level of energy, hunger and desire that we have shown all season.
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4:30pm kickoff
“We’re getting closer and closer and everything we do now will be important if we win or not.”
Arteta reveals Pep’s message
Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports News, Arteta revealed that he received a congratulatory message from Josep Guardiola after Arsenal qualified for the Champions League final.
The pair, who worked together at Manchester City before Arteta took over at Arsenal, are competing for the Premier League title, but their rivalry hasn’t stopped Guardiola from reaching out.
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that he received messages of goodwill from mentors including Josep Guardiola, David Moyes and Mauricio Pochettino after his side beat Atletico Madrid to reach the Champions League final.
Asked by Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth whether leaders like Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino and David Moyes had sent messages, Arteta said: “They all keep in touch in a really great way and I said the same thing.
“They play a big part in this as well because they helped me grow and evolve and learn from them, and I feel a huge sense of gratitude for that.
Josep Guardiola sent a message to Arteta after the win against Atletico
“I received hundreds of messages from so many people, people who have been part of my journey since I was little.
“When I got home, all the clubs, all the managers and of course lots of family and friends were there, so it was special.
“You can see how valuable the Champions League final is.”
Mavropanos warns Arsenal
West Ham defender Konstantinos Mavropanos has warned Arsenal that West Ham will be just as fired up in Sunday’s match at the London Stadium.
The Hammers are battling against the relegation zone and go into the game against the Gunners knowing that a win would take them out of the zone and above Spurs, who play Leeds on Monday Night Football.
“It’s an important game, but I think we’re as hungry as they are,” the defender, who was at Arsenal earlier in his career, told Sky Sports News.
“This is obviously a game we have to work hard for and one positive is that we are playing at home because we need our fans to help us in moments like this.”
“We’ve got to make sure we’re ready and we’ve got to go for it, because that’s our only option.”
