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Arteta expressed his admiration for Gabriel Martinelli after the attacker netted just 36 seconds after entering the pitch, paving the way for a triumph in their Champions League opener against the Spanish side. The head coach also applauded the unity within the group, mentioning that it “pains him” when he has to bench someone, and shared that he prefers to use the term “game closers” rather than “bench players”—an idea inspired by rugby.

Instant Impact

The game was still goalless when Martinelli entered the field, but the manager stated that he detected in the player’s eyes that he was prepared. Immediately after coming on, he raced ahead and beat the goalkeeper to score the first goal in the second half. He then, Martinelli made the setup for a fellow finisher, who secured the victory in the closing moments.

“It was well-earned. I love Martinelli: his attitude, his dedication, his positive energy, what he’s willing to do,” commented Arteta.

Squad Unity

Arteta stressed the importance of togetherness, especially after the squad gathered to congratulate the goalscorer post-score. He described the bond as “authentic” and stated that it brings him joy to coach such a focused group.

“That’s the spirit,” he expressed. “That is the reason I really enjoy daily working with them.”

The Role of ‘Finishers’

The manager went on to say that making selection decisions is a challenging elements of his position. He recognized that every choice frustrates members of the squad, but emphasized that his choices are focused on increasing the likelihood of winning.

When asked about the phrase “finishers,” Arteta confirmed that he took it from rugby union, noting:

“I love it since I’m not fond of other words. As the game evolves, finishers are going to be pivotal. The quality of their contributions will dictate the quality of our year.”

The coach wrapped up by emphasizing that all individuals in the team is important, and that substitutes can often be more impactful than those who start.