Arsenal will host Shakhtar Donetsk Miners in the upcoming 3rd round of the Champions League on October 23rd at 3:00 am Beijing time. Before the match, Arsenal center midfielder Merino attended the press conference and expressed his views on the match, his personal experience and the current situation of the team.
Talking about the significance of winning the Champions League with Arsenal, Merino said, "I have won many trophies in my career, but winning the Champions League here would be a great achievement. There's still a long way to go, but I think we have the foundation, the players, and the mentality to make it happen. Hopefully we can start with a win tomorrow and prepare for the final."
On his role at the club, Merino believes, "We have a pretty well-rounded team and a full coaching staff who all have a winning mentality. Although young, I have a history of winning and can keep my cool in key moments to help the team meet challenges."
Regarding the current situation of Donetsk Miners, Merino expressed his sympathy: "I can't imagine how they feel and live, but we all sympathize with them and wish them all the best in their careers and in life."
Speaking about bouncing back from the loss against Bournemouth, Merino said, "It's always good to usher in a new game soon after a loss. We have to learn from our mistakes and face the next game with a new feeling."
Merino also spoke about manager Mikel Arteta's comments after the game against Bournemouth, "Mikel always tells us that winning is our goal. He was proud of the team's effort and the way they responded. We have to learn from the good aspects and try to improve for the next game."
In terms of adjusting to the club, Merino said, "It was difficult at first, but after the injury, everyone helped me a lot. I felt the love right away, which helped me recover quickly and build team relationships."
On when he will show his best form, Merino said, "It's just a process and I'm doing everything I can to speed it up. Hopefully it will happen soon."
Returning to the Premier League after six years, Merino lamented, "The atmosphere, the songs, the language, the smell of the turf haven't changed, but the soccer and the players have changed over time. The league is completely different now compared to seven years ago."
When comparing the Premier League to other leagues, Merino said, "The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world. The quality of the players, the speed of the game, the rhythm, the atmosphere is beyond imagination. It's a pleasure to play against the best teams and players."
Merino added that he is committed to winning confrontations as one of his best attributes, "I promise I'll go all out for every confrontation like it's my last."
Speaking about the midfielders he admires, Merino mentioned Lampard, Gerrard, Fabregas, Vieira, and Spain's Xavi and Iniesta: "They are players I look up to, and their way of playing and ball-control mentality have had a profound effect on me."
Merino added that he would like to score more goals in the tournament, "I think I can pose a threat in the opponent's box and that's where I know I can improve."
Speaking about the coaches who have influenced him, Merino mentioned his father and one of Real Sociedad's coaches, "They awakened my awareness of the tactical and statistical aspects of the game."
Winning the Europa League with Spain meant a lot to Merino: "It was probably the best summer of my life. Winning the Europa League made my soccer life better."
On the idea of playing more games this season, Merino said, "Players get hurt if they can't rest. Hopefully we can come to an agreement so we can move on and enjoy soccer."
Merino also talked about the impact of having a lot of bigger players on the team, "Football has changed, now you need a strong team, and bodies will be key. But the most important thing is the mentality."
On set pieces, Merino said, "Set pieces are a big part of the game. We try to train a lot and hopefully win a lot of games because of it."
Finally, Merino spoke about his former days as teammates with Ödgöl at Real Sociedad: "It's great to play with him again. Hopefully we can continue to strengthen our relationship and bond."
On whether the injury has made him more eager to achieve, Merino said, "That desire has always been there. I'm really happy to be around people who feel the same way I do."
