The blur of Arsenal's Premier League title Hoop has not put them under extra pressure to perform in the Champions League, it insists that Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal broke Eredivisie Giants PSV 7-1 away from home last week in the first stage of their Champions League Last-16 draw, anything but guaranteeing a quarter-final place.
However, their recent versions in the competition have not reached those heights, with a return of two points – and one goal – of three games that leave them 15 points on leaders Liverpool.
While Arsenal, who also have more outside both domestic cups, a game in hand on the Reds, the OPTA -SUPERCOMPUTER only gives them a 0.5% chance of recovering to win the title – the same chance they have to put out of the top four.
When asked if the Champions League represented their only realistic chance of silverware this season, Arteta said reporters: “It is a competition for which we have a lot of enthusiasm. A lot of energy, we are very consistent.
“Winning will bring us in a very good position tomorrow, that's it. It's not about adding pressure, it's the reality of where we are and what we want to deliver.
“We are very aware that the demands of this football club have to reach the highest level and win matches, that's it.”
Arsenal could meet Holders Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals of next month.
“Since the day we had shown the teams, you will certainly look at the others, and then also those we knew,” said Arteta.
“We all know them because they are so good, so you put your head in:” What if? ” But that is the right to be in that position.
Arteta also hinted that he gave some of Arsenal's younger players to PSV and said: “We did that when we could.
“It is always great because they have been extremely helpful and bringing so much to the team. If you have the opportunity to thank every player or give minutes, it is a way to tell them that we appreciate what you are doing for us.”
The Wednesday match will be Arteta's 20th in the Champions League as Arsenal manager, who has included 13 wins, three draws and four defeats in the competition so far.
In the history of the Champions League, only nine managers have won 13 of their first 20 games, with seven of those who lift the trophy at a certain stage (Louis van Gaal, Marcello Lippi, Jupp Heynckes, Vicente del Bosque, Luis Enrique, Zinedine Zidane and Hansi Flick).
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