Roma lost here 6-1. What do you think the impact of the pitch could be?
What we are thinking is how we are going to win the game. How we win every three days. In different conditions, in different contexts, in different weather, in different competitions. That is the only way we are approaching the game.
Is it an unfair advantage?
We don’t know. A player can get injured on an artificial pitch, in a training session. We have done what he have to do to try to protect the players as much as we can, but at the end of the day tomorrow for sure we have 11 players on the pitch.
Will it have an impact on your selection?
Our selection is based on how we think we are going to win the game. That is it.
READ MORE: Starter rested, four youngster call-ups and walkout cliques - Things spotted at Arsenal training
Why was Jesus left at home?
We thought that with everything he has been through in the last few weeks we thought it was better that he was staying there.
Is the 6-1 loss for Roma a worry?
I mentioned it before the home game. Obviously what this team and coaching staff has done in the last few years is remarkable. Especially in Europe because probably it has got more headlines across the rest of Europe, but without a question of a doubt I think the results they have had here speak for themselves.
What do you make of the fans in Bodo?
They were really loud and really passionate. I spoke to Martin and he mentioned that, that we are going to expect a great atmosphere. It’s great. That is why travelling to Europe is really nice.
Have you trained on an artificial pitch?
No.
With Jesus, do you feel there's more of a target on your back now you're top of the league?
I don’t know how other coaches and players approach the games against us. Obviously, Gabi is a player that gets involved in a lot of physical contact. It is the way he plays, that is in his nature. It is up to the referees to protect the players.
How happy are you with the treatment of your players by the refs?
I’m really happy how our players are performing and that’s the most important thing. Then it’s up to the referees to protect them.
Which players were spoken to in the incident the FA is investigating?
It’s something I don’t want to touch. It’s in the FA’s hands and I’m not going to get involved in that.
Do you fully support your players versions of events?
100 per cent.
Martin Odegaard is getting a lot of attention. Do you think that's good or bad?
That’s his journey. He started to get the spotlight very, very, early in his career and probably that’s why he is so mature at the age he is. He’s been around for so long that sometimes we forget how old he is. It’s his journey, he could not pick it, he was so good at that age, he got a lot of attention and he’s dealt with I think in a really positive way.
What role will Odegaard have tomorrow?
I don’t know. Probably on the pitch at some stage. So I don’t know. Hopefully he can have a good time. Obviously it’s a really important moment for him. He loves coming to his country, you know how much it means to him. And it’s a good opportunity for him.
Is it a trap to focus on the weather?
No, even if it’s windy or raining or snow, that’s not an excuse. Our focus is to win every three days and find a way to do it as a team all the time.
Is Europa League good for the players?
In terms of sharing minutes, that’s for sure something really positive. Because there were players that didn’t play a lot especially in the first five weeks. Now it’s about managing that. And it’s down to the players to perform. To give us the right reasons to play and win.
What was Kieran Tierney's reaction to Tomiyasu being chosen ahead of him vs Liverpool?
Like any other player, we know that we made the decisions always based in the best preparation to win the matches. And Kieran accepted that like any other player.
Your team have made a lot of fast starts this season. What do you put that down to?
I think every manager wants to start and score in the first minute but it’s not always possible. Our aim is always to attack and to be dominant in the game and get in front as quick as we can.
How do you feel Bodo/Glimt compare to the other teams?
They are one of the candidates for sure to be at the top of the group. Tomorrow again we will have a difficult test here.
What did you make of Aubameyang’s comments?
People are free to discuss what they want.
How has the mood in the dressing room been this season?
Phenomenal. I’ve never been in a better dressing room. More enjoyable, more hard working, better relationship with the staff to players and it’s an absolute pleasure to be a part of this group.
Are you expecting the FA incident to rumble on?
I don’t know. It’s something that I don’t decide. I think timings are really difficult to predict. The FA is in charge of the situation and we’ll have to wait and see.
Jose Mourinho said playing football on artificial turf is a different sport. Do you agree?
Obviously everyone is aware that a lot of things are different. The speed is different, the way you can use the grass is different. We have to adapt to it. We know we have to win the game and tomorrow night for sure we’re going to play on an artificial pitch.
How important is it to top the group to reduce the fixtures?
That’s why every game is crucial. Looking at the group it’s going to be really important tomorrow’s result. As you mention it’s another two games (if we don’t top the group) and obviously the opponents you will be facing after that. So we know that we want to be at the top of the group.
Has anyone else not travelled?
A few players that were injured.
Who?
You will find tomorrow. I can’t give you everything.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal face threat of technical director Edu's exit as ‘interest’ develops in recruitment lead
Mikel Arteta to perform Bukayo Saka U-turn as Arsenal summer signing disappoints on home debut
Arsenal have already signed perfect Gabriel Magalhaes alternative with trait Mikel Arteta loves
Mikel Arteta's genius Arsenal decision vs Liverpool is the £25m catalyst for Edu transfer spree
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
