Muntil Zubimendi wore four substitutions in a row (before the inconsequential last game against Palace) in an Arsenal in which he has been fundamental with an extraordinary first season in the English club and in the Premier. Four days before the final We were able to chat with him. He aims to be a substitute in Budapest.
Ask. How do you face Saturday’s final?
Answer. With enthusiasm and confidence. Winning the Premier gives us one more point to face this beautiful final. I have seen that Arsenal had been suffering for many years from not winning and they have managed to break that past.
Q: What will make the difference against PSG?
A: Confidence, knowing how to be, and normalizing the situation. We have our weapons and we are going to try to take advantage of them.
Q. Do you accept the ‘non-favorites’ sign?
A. Maybe, but once you’re on the field, it doesn’t matter who the favorite is.
Q. You have had four substitutions almost in a row. Do you see yourself in the starting eleven?
R. I always see myself, something else is what happens later. Lately, it hasn’t been my turn, but I’m ready to go out and play. The general balance of the Premier has been very good, and because of these substitutions I am not going to think negative things.
Q. What do you think you’re going to get this time, play or not?
A. I don’t know, ask the ‘mister’ (Laughter). It has been a very demanding, long season, in which I have made efforts that I had not been making in my career, and surely that has taken its toll on me. But I think I’m fine again.
Q. A fatigue… that you have to worry about ahead of the World Cup?
A. No, no, I’m fine.
Q. What role does Mikel Arteta have in all this triumph?
A. Sometimes it seems like you have to win a title to have credit, but I think Mikel was already up there, among the top technicians. It is true that winning takes you even higher and reflects the entire process that Mikel has done at the club.
Q. You play in the middle. Do you think Arsenal have a better defense or attack?
A. I think they are a very complete team, but where they stand out a lot is defensively, obviously. The amount of ‘zero doors’ we have is incredible and that stands out more.
