Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his preference for playing the second leg of Champions League matches at home. “My preference is to play the second leg at home in Champions League”, he stated, highlighting the potential advantages of hosting the decisive match. According to Arteta, the second leg of European ties can be unpredictable, with “madness” often ensuing, and he believes that playing at home can provide an edge.
Background and Context
Arteta’s comments come as Arsenal prepare for their upcoming Champions League match. The Spanish manager, who has been influenced by the likes of Pep Guardiola, as reported on 2025-04-16, has been focused on pitch performance ahead of the clash, with according to his statement on 2025-04-15. With Arsenal receiving a boost from Arteta’s injury update on 2025-04-11, the team is looking to capitalize on their current form, as Arteta targets a win in the upcoming match, as announced on 2025-04-16.
Arteta’s Approach
As the manager of Arsenal, Arteta is known for his meticulous approach to the game, and his preference for playing the second leg at home is likely driven by a desire to utilize the home crowd’s energy to his team’s advantage. With according to his recent comments, Arteta is focused on learning from past experiences and adapting to the unpredictable nature of European football. As reported by various sources, including his statement on 2025-04-16, Arteta credits his career influences, such as Guardiola, for shaping his managerial style.