LIVE: Soccer team Arsenal speaks before game against Atletico Madrid

Pressure viewed as privilege

Ødegaard rejects the notion that pressure hinders performance, stating it's "hard to understand how you cannot enjoy" fighting for the Premier League and Champions League title at this stage.

Learning from past exits

Both Ødegaard and Arteta emphasize using last season's semi-final elimination and previous title near-misses as fuel, with the captain insisting they must take those lessons and "bring it into this end of the season."

Seven games from history

With the season climax approaching, Ødegaard acknowledges the opportunity to become the first Arsenal captain in 20 years to lift the Premier League or the first ever to win the Champions League.

Havertz ruled out

Arteta confirms Kai Havertz is unavailable for the match against Atletico, though defender Ricardo Calafiori returns to the squad after missing the weekend fixture.

Timber clarification

Arteta explicitly states Jurriën Timber is not in the squad despite earlier confusion, though other returning players will be available for selection.

Respecting Atletico's evolution

Arteta warns of a "really tough match" against Diego Simeone's experienced side, while Ødegaard notes Atletico can "play in more ways now than before" while maintaining their competitive foundation.

Creative responsibility

Ødegaard accepts his role is to "connect the team" in the final third and feed the strikers, admitting his injury-hit season has been mentally challenging but has increased his hunger to contribute.

Transfer speculation dismissed

Ødegaard brushes off rumors linking him with a summer exit, stating "I don't know where that's coming from" and emphasizing his sole focus is winning trophies with Arsenal.

Mental discipline

The captain explains that while avoiding media is impossible in modern football, the team maintains focus by concentrating only on controllable factors and living "day by day, game by game."