Tarsier: The game was postponed to comply with the compliance, and we will defend the Gunners' reputation to the end

At 03:45 a.m. Beijing time on Friday, January 21, Arsenal will play at home to Liverpool (0-0 in the first leg of the first leg of the two sides), and Arteta attended the pre-match press conference of this match.

About the importance of this game for the Gunners this season

'We had a chance to get to the final, it was a close championship match, facing a strong opponent, in front of our home stadium, in front of our fans, so it was a game that we were very excited about.'

About the importance of the fans in this game

'They can change the energy of the game, give the players a huge boost, drive the team, give the players confidence, help give us the best chance to get to the final."

"Obviously, the fans at the Emirates Stadium are great, when they fight side by side, they loudly encourage, support the team, really create a connection with the team and have a huge impact. It's one of the best atmospheres I've seen at Emirates Stadium in years and I've been one of them, so I want to thank the fans for their support of the team. ”

The latest news on whether the team can be revealed

"I can't, and I don't want to. Because I don't want to divulge anything. Sorry, there are some issues that have to be solved, which is why we can't play a game (against Tottenham Hotspur's North London derby), but as you can understand, we drive ourselves internally. ”

There are still questions about whether this semi-final is going as scheduled?

'I hope there will be no more news tomorrow and the game can go on schedule, that's how we prepared.

About Smith Rowe, Fong An Jian Yang and Erdegaard will be available tomorrow?

'These three players have not represented us in recent weeks for different reasons and we are working hard to change that and to raise the level of the players to prepare for tomorrow's game in the best possible way.

The Derby on North London was postponed

"We don't have enough players to form a team that can play in the Premier League, that's one hundred per cent guaranteed. When we played in the first three games of the season, when other teams had games that were postponed, we played, we tried to try to play as scheduled and we also lost. People say don't be naïve, if you have so many players who can't play, you're going to be played by those kids. ”

'Believe me, we postponed the game for good reasons and you have the same situation, but I think they're normal.'

On whether to understand the criticism of this

"I don't know if I understand, I'm telling you what I did, when a team came up to us and said, 'We can't play anymore, that's why we can't play', the game was postponed and we never questioned anything. We won't, that's why we have the Premier League, the FA and the regulators to think about that, find and do the necessary due diligence, which is a big price to pay for a game, more than to keep the competition fair. ”

On Aubameyang's health

'He's in London now and is getting some checks because the Gabonese national team hasn't made it clear why he's back at the club, so it's clear that we have an obligation to make sure he's healthy, he's in good shape, there aren't any problems with that, we try to avoid any claims because what we've done to Aubameyang so far, he hasn't had any problems, hopefully.'

About the possibility of Oba returning to the Africa Cup of Nations?

"It's a situation that we're dealing with, he got covid-19 and then the national team decided to get him back to the club and that's the situation now. Now it's time to take it step by step, do a good check, make sure the player's body is in the best condition, and then we think about the next thing. ”

Can Thomas return to the squad against Burnley (this Sunday)?

'Ghana had a game last night and it was obviously a huge disappointment for Thomas because he represented his country and during this time he had a big goal for the Africa Cup of Nations and he has now been eliminated so he will be fully committed to Arsenal's game as soon as possible.'

Does the team have any CASEs of COVID-19?

"Nothing."

Reflections on the postponement of the North London derby

"We've been in continuity, in the game against Nottingham Forest we had 10 players out, we tried to play the game, and the next game, and then we went away to Liverpool, played a game and we had a lot of players missing that game. We've gotten to the point where we can't provide enough players to play a game in a Premier League game and that's why we didn't play the North London derby, it's that simple. ”

About the possibility of using academy players to play games

"I'm just looking back at the facts, we've done it, we played with the youth team players and the 18-year-olds, 19-year-olds. We already have the youngest squad in the Premier League, so I think we've been through that, we have to be stable, I think we've been consistent and tomorrow every player I expect will be able to play, not everybody, it's the players I expect to be able to play, we're going to play because we want to play football. ”

Regarding tomorrow night's game, is Liverpool the favourite side?

'We're going to send the strongest team and we have only one purpose: after the final whistle, we advance to the final at Wembley Stadium.'

On whether Arsenal were favored to advance after the first leg?

'I want that feeling, it's a game, it's just halftime now and there's a really tough game to play and we're going to try to get to the final.'

About the significance of playing in the final at Wembley Stadium?

'Of course, that's what we're here for, to bring success, trophies and joy to the Gunners and to continue to do what the club has been doing in its history, that's our goal.'

Do the rules governing postponement need to be more transparent?

"Yes, but I think you have to do it from the beginning. When I want to be transparent, when I don't want to be transparent, it's tricky to ask about this topic in the middle of the season, and it seems to be deliberately manipulative. So I think everybody has to try to do the right thing, and if we have to change, then change, but it should be the same way and standard for us. ”

The North London derby was postponed to the suspicion and resentment of the gunners

"I think in addition to the meaning of hatred, there is a lot of disrespect for Arsenal. We knew we did the right thing, we made the decision to postpone the game with the Premier League and the FA and explained why, at least we were very honest. ”

About arsenal clubs are hated for their history

"Of course, we will do everything we can to defend our club and we will not let anyone damage our reputation or fabricate anything that did not happen. We will take responsibility for what we make wrong, but we will defend our club in a really strong way. ”

About Kolasinac and Mali and why they left Arsenal

"Well, for different reasons, Kolasinac is struggling for him because of a lack of playing time in the squad and his contract is due to expire this summer, so our decision not to execute this last contract is a good decision. He wants to leave and he has a great option and it's a great option for the club. ”

'Pablo-Mali's situation is much more complicated, injuries and the situation since he joined the club, he's an extraordinary player, he hasn't had much playing time this season, it's difficult for him, a good opportunity has come and we have to open the door.'