After Mikel Arteta had soaked up all the post-match celebrations with the Premier League trophy, he entered the Sehurst Park media room to answer questions from the media in attendance.
He was asked about his emotions, what changes now that we’re champions, reflected on his tenure in charge through a new lens and the squad toasting their triumph.
Here is everything he had to say:
on his feelings:
It’s very difficult to put it into words, but what a moment. A lot of emotions, a lot of joy, pride. I think the manner in which it was done represents what these guys are feeling and the reason why this magic happened.
on if he feels like a different coach now he’s a champion:
I’m the same one, but I’m happier and relieved. Obviously, throughout this journey, we have made some massive steps. We have accomplished a lot of things that, in my opinion, have a lot of value. But at the end of the day, we are here to win major trophies. That was the ultimate goal and we were very close. On these three occasions, we fell short at the end, and that was very painful. But I think that’s what has driven all of us to find new ways to show what we are made of. That’s why I said that the manner in which we’ve done it, it makes it even better.
on being able to finally touch the trophy:
It is different. It was magical the other night and what we’ve done this afternoon here, I would say it’s even better because all the staff are there, everybody is touching it. You see the joy of the players, our supporters, the way they are behaving with the team, and of course, the families are around as well and it brings something else.
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on what the title win means to him:
It’s been a lot. They gave me the opportunity to manage this football club when I had no experience at all, so first of all, I have some words of gratitude to everybody who was involved in that decision. And that’s for sure Edu, that’s Tim (Lewis), that’s Vinai (Venkatesham), that’s a lot of people that were there. Josh and Stan (Kroenke) are still here and you can see their faces today. But there’s a lot of people along the way that have been crucial to this success, to build this connection, to be able to build a team that is so competitive and ultimately that has delivered the Premier League.
on whether we celebrate or focus on the Champions League final:
We need to (celebrate) because we need that energy to flow and going against that, I think it will be a big mistake. We’ve already talked about what we have to do in Budapest, how we’re going to use all the incredible energy that we’re all carrying towards that final and tomorrow we’re going to start to prepare for it. We can’t wait to write for the new chapter in the history of our club and win the Champions League.
on if this could be the start of an era of dominance:
What I said to the boys is that this shirt now represents something else. We are the champions and that brings a lot of confidence and a different kind of presence and energy to it. But as well another kind of responsibility as well. My job now, and everybody at the club, is going to be to live those standards now and achieve more and more because I think we are capable of winning.
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on why he never walked way when he had doubts about the job:
The people around me, starting with my wife, with the board, with Josh and Stan. Because it’s natural. At the end I have a very special attachment to this football club. I just want the best for this football club. Sometimes I know how much I have to dig into a lot of things in this football club that are not noticeable outside to get to this point. Ultimately what I want is to have this moment because everybody has been waiting for so long. That’s why I said that the manner is the most beautiful thing. Because I think this championship is about the will, and the reason everybody is feeling like this is that they all feel part of this. This is not about one player or two players. This is about a team that under a lot of noise, expectations and pressure, this team has used us as an inspiration to find the right road to success. And I’m so, so proud of that.
on the history of this moment:
I think now we need to go through the motions and do what we’ve done all season, which is win football matches. If we win one more, we are the champions of Europe – as simple as that. And the rest will come.
on the staff having the players’ names on the back of their shirts during the celebrations:
I think it was the right thing to do. It’s a tribute to the players. They are the ultimate protagonists. They are the ones who have done their jobs to give us the opportunity to live what we are living today. They fully deserve that.
on the connection between him and the players:
I feel very privileged with the connection that we have between us. Not only with me but with the coaching staff and all the staff. That’s the reason that you can be at a club for six years, seven years, because you maintain that and that’s organic. When they look at you, they still feel inspired, and they believe that you can still improve them and help them to lead moments like today, otherwise it’s impossible. I do really feel that with them, and I’m very grateful.
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