Mikel Arteta Praises Martinelli and Highlights the Vital Importance of ‘Game Changers’
Arteta shared his fondness for the Brazilian forward after the winger netted just 36 seconds after entering the pitch, setting up a triumph in their Champions League opener against their opponents. Arteta also applauded the team spirit within the squad, mentioning that it “pains him” when he has to leave a player out, and explained that he prefers to use the term “finishers” rather than “replacements”—an idea adopted from rugby union.
Immediate Influence
The game was still goalless when the young attacker was brought on, but he stated that he could see in the player’s eyes that he was focused. With his first touch, he burst forward and outmaneuvered the shot-stopper to open the scoring in the later stages. After that, he provided the setup for Leandro Trossard, who secured the win in the 87th minute.
“He fully deserved it. I have huge admiration for him: his attitude, his dedication, his positive energy, what he’s willing to do,” commented Arteta.
Collective Spirit
He stressed the value of unity, notably following the players rushed to celebrate Martinelli post-score. He described the bond as “real” and stated that it motivates him to coach such a focused team.
“That embodies our mentality,” he expressed. “That is the reason I really enjoy each day working with them.”
Game-Changers’ Contribution
The manager elaborated that making selection decisions is among the most difficult aspects of his position. He recognized that every choice lets down some players, but insisted that his choices are focused on boosting the likelihood of victory.
Inquired about the word “finishers,” Arteta revealed that he borrowed it from rugby, saying:
“I really like it as I’m not fond of alternative terms. As the game evolves, impact substitutes are increasingly crucial. The impact of their contributions will dictate the quality of our campaign.”
He concluded by underscoring that every player in the team is valuable, and that finishers can often be more impactful than the initial lineup.
