Press conference

'We share the same beliefs and values'

Mikel Arteta will be watching on from home when we face Manchester City.

In Mikel's absence, assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg is set to take charge on the touchline - a decision that the boss is more than happy with.

"I met him a few years ago through another coach, but obviously he’s a coach I knew before because of his reputation and who he’s been working under," he said.

"We have a really good connection, we have the same beliefs, we see the game in the same way, we share all of the values that we believe have to be installed at the club and he’s someone that is very close to me, he’s more than capable, he’s done it before so in that sense, I’m very relaxed about it."

When asked how he will communicate with Albert and the rest of his coaching staff, the boss confirmed plans are in place, but that he's optimistic he won't have to contribute much.

"Hopefully, things go well and I don’t have to do too much [including a half time team talk] and they can do it," he joked.

"The situation has been discussed and obviously, we’ll have some communication during the match."