Arteta: Qualifying for Europe is the minimum we can ask for

Having collected 42 points from their 30 matches,

sit 10th in the Premier League. However,

Mike Arteta

’s team are still alive in the Europa League, and winning this competition is their best chance at qualifying for the Champions League next season. Ahead of his team’s league clash against

, Arteta says he is determined to keep Arsenal in European competitions.

“It is not pressure – it is our responsibility,"

he said.

“The club we represent has high demands and that is the minimum we can ask for and we have to, over time, work to deliver those goals because it is what we get asked for.”

He added:

“We go back to what we used to say when those teams were in a position not to qualify for Europe, we are talking about similar things.

“It is true there are some really good examples of teams that were rebuilding their teams and it helped them in their project, but I would rather be in Europe.”

The Gunners are eager to progress in the Europa League as this is their best chance to earn a spot in the next season’s Champions League. They were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their quarter-final tie against

on Thursday.

Asked about his side’s potential failure in qualifying for the European competitions, Arteta responded:

“That’s too many ifs. What if we qualify for Europe and win the Europa League? I prefer to think like that.”

After their match against Sheffield United on Sunday, the Gunners will prepare themselves for their crucial battle against Slavia Prague on Thursday. 

Follow

for the

.