Jorginho has issued a rallying cry to his Arsenal teammates, urging them to use their Champions League opener against Atalanta on Thursday as a springboard to success in their crucial Premier League clash with Manchester City this weekend. Mikel Arteta’s side is navigating a grueling seven-day period that began with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tottenham in the North London derby last Sunday. Now, they face a quick turnaround, traveling to Bergamo to kick off their European campaign before a vital trip to the Etihad Stadium to face the reigning champions.
Arsenal’s demanding schedule has been further complicated by the absence of key midfielders Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Rice was suspended for the Tottenham match, while Odegaard is recovering from an ankle injury sustained on international duty. However, Jorginho stepped up admirably in Rice’s absence, helping Arsenal secure their third win in four league games this season.
While Rice is expected to return to the starting lineup against Atalanta, Arteta is still unsure when Odegaard will be able to return. The fixture list has not been kind to Arsenal, as City enjoys an extra 24 hours of rest before the highly anticipated showdown at the Etihad. City faces Inter Milan at home on Wednesday, while Arsenal has to travel to Italy for their game a day later.
Despite the demanding schedule, Jorginho believes a positive performance and result against Atalanta will set the stage for a strong showing against City. “If you want to achieve big things you need to have the mentality of trying to win every single game,” he said. “That is what we need to do and that is what we want to do. You have to keep believing in what you are doing. “We are doing that and we keep working hard to improve and doing right the things. We are on the right path and we need to keep it going.”
Already two points behind leaders City, Arteta’s men cannot afford a defeat in Manchester. They also don’t want to begin their Champions League campaign with a loss. Arsenal can draw strength from their impressive away form in 2024. Their victory at Tottenham marked their 10th win in 11 away league games, with their only draw coming at City in March.
After being eliminated from the Champions League quarter-finals by Bayern Munich last season, Arsenal is determined to go further in the tournament this time around. The North Londoners have never won the Champions League and, while their priority remains a first English title since 2004, success in Europe would further demonstrate Arteta’s remarkable transformation of a club that was in turmoil when he arrived in 2019.
Arteta, who recently signed a long-term contract extension, has only the 2020 FA Cup to show for his Arsenal overhaul. However, the Spaniard is convinced his side possesses the character to win more major honors. “We have people that are hard and have thick skin. They love the game and we love winning,” he said. “In order to love the game and win you have to do things that people call ugly. Enjoying those ugly things is a big compliment to this team right now.”
Atalanta, the unexpected Europa League champions last season, will provide an intriguing first test for Arsenal. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side bounced back from successive Serie A defeats against Torino and Inter Milan with a 3-2 victory against Fiorentina on Sunday.
“It will be a really tough and physical game,” Jorginho said. “They are a very physical team. It is not going to be easy, and it will be a hot atmosphere in Italy. We need to be ready for another battle.”
