Arsenal first team manager Mikel Arteta has said his side need to take the next step to win major trophies. Arteta was speaking ahead of his side’s UEFA Champions League game against Girona.
Arsenal have all but qualified for the round of 16, they will only lose their top 8 place if they lose, and there are victories for Atlético Madrid, AC Milan, and Atalanta, plus wins and a big goal difference swing for Aston Villa, Bayer Leverkusen, Brest, Feyenoord/Lille.
Speaking ahead of the clash Arteta said his side were close to the level required but not there yet:
“We’ve been very close to big titles in the last few years, so it’s time to take a step forward but it’s very difficult in football, but we are very consistent as a team when it comes to performance and play and tomorrow, we must earn our qualification then we’ll see what come”.
Arteta added that he was hoping his team could complete the job on Wednesday to avoid the playoff round. Under the new Champions League format, the teams finishing 9th to 24th will play a playoff round to earn the chance to enter the round of 16.
The Gunners boss alluded to using the time to allow the team more time to rest but also work on new tactical concepts.
Arsenal return to Premier League action this Sunday as they welcome Manchester City to the Emirates.
