Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has issued a stark warning to his teammates, urging caution against Spanish opposition as the Gunners pursue Champions League success this season. The former Real Sociedad star, who joined Arsenal in a £60 million move last summer, emphasised that Spanish clubs remain formidable contenders in Europe's elite competition.
Spanish Giants Pose Significant Threat
Speaking to Spanish radio station El Larguero, Zubimendi specifically named Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid as teams Arsenal must be wary of in the knockout stages. 'You should never count out Spanish teams,' he stated. 'Barça reached the semifinals last year, Real Madrid is Real Madrid, and Atlético has more than enough players.'
The midfielder highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Champions League, noting that 'anything can happen' in the competition. His comments come despite English clubs dominating the initial phase, with five Premier League teams—Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester City—qualifying for the knockout rounds, and Newcastle United potentially joining them.
Arsenal's Quadruple Ambitions
Arsenal are enjoying a stellar campaign on multiple fronts. They currently sit top of the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup final, progressed to the FA Cup fourth round, and topped their Champions League group with a perfect record. However, Zubimendi stressed that qualifying is merely the first step. 'This is about winning it,' he declared. 'Qualifying is great, but we’ll see who wins it.'
The Spaniard also reflected on his adaptation to English football, acknowledging the high demands. 'I’ve noticed that the matches are very demanding, that everyone puts you under pressure, and that the level is very high,' he admitted.
Squad Depth Tested by Injury
While Arsenal boast a deep squad to support their silverware chase, they face a setback with midfielder Mikel Merino set for an extended absence due to foot surgery. Zubimendi expressed sympathy for his teammate, saying, 'He’s in pain. He’s a very professional person who takes care of himself and always thinks about what’s best for the club.' He added, 'I know he’s the one who’s most hurt, but the damage his injury has done to the club is significant.'
Despite the injury blow, Arsenal's focus remains on navigating the challenges ahead, with Zubimendi's warning serving as a reminder that Spanish clubs—historically successful in the Champions League—could disrupt their ambitions. As the knockout phase approaches, the Gunners must balance optimism with vigilance against seasoned European rivals.
