Arsenal: Mikel Arteta urges Premier League to change scheduling to help clubs in Europe | OneFootball

@sr_collings

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has called on the Premier League to change their scheduling so clubs can have a better chance of success in Europe.

The Gunners crashed out of continental competition this week at the hands of Bayern Munich, but they were not the only English side to do so.

Manchester City were also eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Champions League by Real Madrid, while Liverpool and West Ham were knocked out of the Europa League last-eight by Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen respectively.

Aston Villa are now the only English side left in Europe this season after they beat Lille on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League.

Arteta believes the Premier League needs to look at their scheduling, like other European leagues.

Bayern played on Saturday last week, while Arsenal played on Sunday. Back in 2019, the Eredivisie gave Ajax the weekend off to prepare for their Champions League semi-final against Tottenham.

“When you look at the schedule Bayern had and we had, the amount of games they had, and them resting 10 players nine days ago and again three days ago, it’s different,” said Arteta.

Exit: Arsenal crashed out of the Champions League quarter-finals in Munich

Getty Images

“In these leagues, they cancel the games or bring them forward to have more rest for the Champions League.

“We (the Premier League) are not doing that and are putting even more pressure on ourselves. It’s not an excuse, it’s the reality.”

Asked if the Premier League could do something similar to the other leagues, Arteta said: “If you want to compete in the same condition, we should be able to have the same amount of recovery between games. That, at least, is something we can do.”

Arsenal are back in action on Saturday night when they head to Wolves and it will be their third game in seven days.

The Gunners have lost back-to-back matches, but a win would take them back to the top of the Premier League table with City in FA Cup semi-final action against Chelsea at Wembley.

“It wasn’t the best experience,” Arteta said. “A defeat in the league, a defeat in the Champions League.

“Now we’re fully focused on the ties that we have ahead of us with six games to go. We’re a game behind City and we’re gonna give it a real go. The context is clear.

“If we win, we are top of the league. If you need anything else to be motivated and if you need anything else to go to that game with your mind clear and your purpose clear, you have a problem.

“It’s been a very intense journey. When you are near the top and you’re fighting at such a level you know you’re going to do that.

“This job, this industry is constantly testing your resilience and your ego. When things are going well and when they’re not going well.