Arteta makes jungle-Anfield comparison ahead of Liverpool crucial showdown

PREMIER LEAGUE Arteta makes jungle-Anfield comparison ahead of Liverpool crucial showdown

Kiplagat Sang • 11:45 - 09.04.2023

The Gunners’ boss is aware of the Anfield atmosphere but affirms that his players are ready for it.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expects the atmosphere at Anfield during the Arsenal and Liverpool match to be like a jungle.

The Gunners hope to win and maintain an eight-point gap over Manchester City – who have a game in hand - but the Spaniard has admitted the Anfield atmosphere is difficult to deal with.

"You cannot train the players in the zoo and then go to the jungle on Sunday," said Arteta.

"It's impossible. You have to expose yourself. You have to prepare the players. You have to tell them what they're going to be facing, and you have to recognise that."

However, Arteta is convinced his players are charged up ahead of the Premier League clash.

"The team is full of enthusiasm and positivity," he added.

"We know that we have a big challenge, but it is a big opportunity to go to Anfield and do something we haven't done in many years, and that is what [has been] driving the team the last few days."

Arteta and his Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp were booked for a clash in the first half of Arsenal's last league trip to Anfield in November 2021. The Gunners’ boss explained why he reacted in the manner that saw him booked.

"I reacted to defend our players in the best possible way, but I don't like seeing myself like this, so hopefully not," he said.

"It happens in football, and after that, we hugged each other and moved on. The last time we were together, nothing happened.

"I have full respect and admiration for what they've done. We've moved on."

Meanwhile, the Reds know how a loss could be catastrophic for them and would aim to stop the league leaders. They are 29 points behind Arsenal, having lost nine times in 28 matches.

Liverpool have not lost more league games in any of Klopp's six full seasons in charge.