The Japan Times - 'Don't use that phrase': Arteta shuts down Arsenal quadruple talk

Speaking in Germany a day out from the match, the Arsenal coach was asked about the remarkable feat but said he would not let his side get ahead of themselves.

"No. I do not use that phrase. I don't talk about it. I don't know what they talk about when I'm not there, but we all know the difficulty of every competition," Arteta said.

"We are changing from competition to competition every three days and so far we've done well so we need to continue to do that."

Seven points clear of Manchester City atop the Premier League, Arsenal finished first in 36-team Champions League table as the only team to win eight from eight.

The Gunners are through to the League Cup final, where they face City, and were drawn to face Southampton in the FA Cup quarter finals on Monday.

Arsenal have made a habit of late fade outs in the league title race in recent seasons and were eliminated by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.

The coach said the lessons Arsenal learned in recent seasons were guiding them this campaign.

"You learn about the things you did well and the reason why you were there, and the things you can improve.

"But every game and every time will be so specific and it can be difficult to replicate. You can have sets of memories, but you have to apply your learnings in that moment. And that window is very small."

- Havertz return -

Arteta said injured captain Martin Odegaard would not return for the match but Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori will be available despite coming off early on the weekend.

Arsenal's Kai Havertz has been cleared to play and will return to his former club for the first time, having left Leverkusen for Chelsea after a decade at the club in 2020.

"It's amazing," Havertz said. "I've already seen a lot of familiar faces and a lot of memories are coming up. Coming back to my childhood club is amazing and I can't wait for the game tomorrow."

Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said the foundation laid by the fee received for Havertz allowed the club to break through for a first Bundesliga title when they won an unbeaten league and cup double in 2023-24, but Havertz dismissed the suggestion.

"I don't have a part in it at all. I feel very honoured he said that -- and I'm very grateful, I've spoken to him -- but the whole success goes to the team two years ago.

"The coaches, the players, the fans. Everyone. They deserved it. I knew when I was here how much this club deserved a title."

K.Abe--JT