Every word from Arteta's pre-Man City presser | Press conference ...

Hours after touching down in the UK following our Champions League draw at Atalanta, Mikel Arteta was back in front of the media again to preview our game against Manchester City on Sunday.

The boss was asked about Martin Odegaard, three away matches in a row, the Women's Super League and more. 

Here is everything he had to say on the following subjects.

on the mood upon returning to England:
Very good. We played two very competitive matches away from home in the last four or five days and we have a massive one on Sunday as well, so we’re looking forward to it.

on keeping two clean sheets from those two matches:
Yes, because we played against two very different teams but both of them are really tricky to play against away from home. We had a positive result last night. We wanted to win the game, but if you cannot win it, don’t lose it and there are things to improve but as a team we are showing a lot of consistency.

on switching attention to Sunday and fresh injury concerns:
Not really [any fresh injuries]. Straight after the Atalanta match, we need to recover, sleep, eat well and everyone is looking forward to the match. We know what it means, we know what we’re fighting for and it’s a great opportunity for the team to show what we’re capable of.

on an update regarding Martin Odegaard:
We need to see the development in the next week or so, how the ankle reacts first of all and then the staff will give me an update on the timeframe and how long he’ll be out for.

on Manchester City’s extra day of recovery and whether that gives them an advantage:
We wanted the same as them, we’re not getting it, so we have to adapt and make the most of the time that we have today and tomorrow and on the morning of the match to prepare in the best way to go there and win the game.

on how this busy week has been from a coach’s perspective:
Yeah, we’ve been preparing for this since pre-season. Obviously, we knew the schedule and we knew that it’s extremely rare to play in these conditions with three massive away games in six days, but it was what it was so we have prepared for that, both physically, mentally and tactically. We’re making sure that everyone is ready for it, because we’re going to need them, especially with the injuries that we had from the international break.

on the potential absence of Kevin de Bruyne:
No because they have the option if he doesn't play of Gundogan, Bernardo, Phil Foden, Kovacic. They're all world-class players. We have a few missing as well and we have to adapt, but certainly those kinds of teams don't rely on one individual which is extremely important for them.

on our incredible away record in 2024 in the Premier League and what kind of atmosphere to expect on Sunday:
A really competitive one. We go to the home of the champions, the team that I think in Premier League history has been the most consistent ever, not only in terms of results but in terms of dominance and consistent top performances. This is the challenge, we have to go there and prove that again we’ve made another step and we can compete.

on our 3,000 supporters travelling to Man City after away games against Tottenham and Atalanta:
It’s great. It’s great to give back because you know individually how much people invest - the time, money, effort and travel. When you are able to give something away from home it becomes really special. That’s why it’s a special atmosphere when we play away from home and have our supporters living the game. I’m really pleased that consistently we’ve been able to give a lot back.

on a busy period of Champions League, Premier League and Carabao Cup matches:
I enjoy a lot of time in the office and on the training ground, but it is what it is. We want to be in the position we’re in, we dreamed of this years ago and were in this position right now. Let’s make the most out of it and let’s enjoy it.

on our women's team beginning their season at Emirates Stadium on Sunday:
Very excited, we’re talking about it and it looks like this season again is going to be very special. They’re really strong and I’ve already been told that we’ve sold almost 40,000 tickets, which is unbelievable. Great to see the progress and connection within our people and them as well, so I wish them all the best.

on Emirates Stadium being the main home for the women's team going forward:
It’s great. It’s another step and I’m delighted that we’re doing that in the way that we’re doing that. They fully deserve it and it’s growing and growing. I’m very pleased to see that progress, the same with the academy and how well they are doing. As a club, we are strong in every sense and I think it’s going to be really good.