Arteta Commends Gabriel Martinelli and Highlights the Vital Importance of ‘Impact Substitutes’
Mikel Arteta revealed his affection for Martinelli after the winger found the back of the net just moments after being introduced, securing a victory in their group stage debut against the Spanish side. Arteta also applauded the unity within the group, noting that it “is difficult” when he has to bench someone, and shared that he prefers to use the term “impact players” rather than “bench players”—an idea borrowed from the sport of rugby.
Quickfire Contribution
The game was without a score when the young attacker entered the field, but the manager noted that he could see in the player’s eyes that he was focused. With his first touch, the winger sprinted away and outmaneuvered the keeper to break the deadlock in the later stages. He then, Martinelli provided the key pass for a fellow finisher, who confirmed the win in the closing moments.
“It was well-earned. I have huge admiration for him: his mindset, his work ethic, his positivity, his team-first mentality,” stated the manager.
Team Togetherness
Arteta stressed the value of togetherness, especially following the team rushed to celebrate the goalscorer post-score. He described the bond as “authentic” and noted that it makes him proud to work with such a dedicated team.
“That’s the spirit,” Arteta commented. “That is the reason I deeply appreciate each day working with them.”
The Role of ‘Finishers’
The manager went on to say that making selection decisions is a challenging elements of his job. He recognized that every lineup decision disappoints certain individuals, but emphasized that his decisions are based on boosting the likelihood of success.
When asked about the term “finishers,” he confirmed that he adopted it from rugby union, noting:
“It resonates with me because I prefer to avoid other words. Given how matches progress, finishers are becoming pivotal. The impact of the time they play will shape the success of our season.”
He concluded by underscoring that each member in the group is essential, and that finishers can often be even more decisive than those who start.
