Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta has urged his players to show respect to Fleetwood Town ahead of their fourth-round League Cup tie.
Despite the significant gap in class and status between the teams, the Spaniard emphasised the need for professionalism and a determination to win.
Arteta: ‘Our reputation and pride are at stake’
Before facing the League Two outfit, Arteta reminded his players of the importance of the Arsenal badge and the responsibility each player carries as part of the club.
‘Show them our shirts and what we represent. That’s it. We need to go there and win the match. It’s very simple. Our reputation, our pride — everything is at stake,’ the manager declared.
‘Respect the game and every opponent’
Arteta stressed that the difference in divisions should not affect the team's approach to the upcoming match.
‘Every time you step onto the pitch, especially when playing against a team from a different division, respect the game and every opponent. They deserve that. Then focus on winning and playing better than them,’ he added.
For Arsenal, the match against Fleetwood Town represents a chance to continue their campaign in the League Cup. Arteta made it clear that he will not tolerate any underestimation of their opponents and expects a serious commitment from his squad on the pitch.
