After watching us beat Sevilla 2-1 and return to the top of our Champions League group, Mikel Arteta addressed questions from the press about the game.
He was asked about various topics, including the appearance of Gabriel Jesus and the meaning of the victory.
Here’s everything he had to say:
on the appearance of Gabriel Jesus:
Really happy with that part – big games for big players and he had to create those moments to win in stadiums like this. He did it and obviously he opened the game in a great way for us. And then we’re really sad because he felt something in his hamstring and he had to pull away from it and that worries me.
whether the boss preferred the goal or the assist:
Both! I want to see the slow motion of the first move because he was so sharp and also played the last ball to Gabi. I’m really happy, he needed this.
on Jesus’ contributions this season:
He came here for a reason; He changed our world. He has brought so much belief and energy to the team and he must seize these moments. That’s why he played, and that’s what he did. Then a player becomes accountable to the team and the team relies on those players to win games. We need players like that. You want to play, go to Manchester City, then come to Stamford Bridge and then come here; That’s the level we’re at right now. To come here and win is a great honor for the boys.
on whether Jesus’ scoring record in the Champions League was one of the reasons we signed him:
Absolutely – he has been through a lot in the last few years and is still very young. He has a wealth of experience, and some of it may not be the best, but it is necessary [shape] the player he is today. I’m really happy to have him on the team.
on the meaning of today’s victory after the Lens game:
This is the Champions League, this is the group stages and it shows you how difficult it is to win and how much you have to value it. Of course, this result put us in a difficult position against Lens and the team had to react. We have had a period of very difficult games and the team has to constantly step in and overcome adversity and injuries that we have sustained to some big players. The team is so ready and so determined to at least do their best.
on the death of Bill Kenwright:
Disappointed with the news – I had a really personal and strong relationship with Bill. I can’t be more grateful for the way he treated me, for the advice he always gave me and for the closeness he had with me and his family. He has been through a lot in the last few years and we are very aware of that. He is a huge loss for Everton and also for me personally.
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