Arteta reveals what he told his Arsenal players in dressing room after loss to Porto

After Arsenal’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Porto in the UEFA Champions League, manager Mikel Arteta shared insights into his immediate post-match discussions with the players in the dressing room, emphasizing the areas that require improvement for future matches.

Arteta disclosed, “I told them that we have to manage the game much better when we cannot secure a win. The way we handled the ball on three occasions in deep areas, it’s not good enough.” Addressing the team’s shortcomings in possession and defensive decision-making, Arteta underscored the importance of enhancing their game management under pressure situations.

Furthermore, Arteta highlighted the team’s deficiencies in terms of offensive threat and aggression, particularly in the final third and defensive zones. He stressed the necessity for the players to exhibit more purpose and intensity to exploit scoring opportunities effectively. Arteta expressed his intention to make tactical adjustments to enhance the team’s attacking prowess, aiming to instill a more incisive and clinical approach in their upcoming fixtures.

Following their loss to Porto, Arsenal will redirect their focus towards the Premier League, with a crucial match against Newcastle United looming on the horizon. As the Gunners aim to bounce back from their defeat and maintain their pursuit of success in both domestic and European competitions, Arteta’s guidance and tactical tweaks will play a pivotal role in reshaping the team’s performance and rectifying the identified shortcomings.

Arteta’s candid reflections on Arsenal’s performance against Porto highlight the manager’s commitment to continuous improvement and his proactive stance in addressing the team’s areas of development, setting the stage for a determined response in their upcoming challenges on the field.