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Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly Prepares for Champions League Challenge

Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly is feeling confident as the Gunners gear up to face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Champions League semi-finals. He attributes his team’s readiness to their “genius” head coach, Mikel Arteta.

The first leg of the semi-final is set to take place at the Emirates Stadium, marking a significant moment for Arsenal, who last reached this stage of the tournament in 2009. The club’s only final appearance came in 2006, where they were narrowly defeated by Barcelona.

Lewis-Skelly, who has made notable strides in his first season with the team, emphasized the importance of this upcoming match. He asserted that the squad is prepared and determined to make a strong showing against PSG, stating, “There will be no excuses as we head into this match.”

“We are in good form right now and eager to face PSG since they are also performing well,” Lewis-Skelly told Sky Sports. “It will be a strong test for us against a fully fit team.”

He added, “We are ready for the challenge.”

A Praise for Arteta

Lewis-Skelly attributed much of his confidence to Arteta’s managerial style. The young defender praised Arteta’s meticulous attention to detail and expressed his eagerness to learn from him. “His approach to the game is fascinating, and I have so much to learn from him,” he said. “He’s truly a genius.”

Transitioning to Left-Back

This season, Lewis-Skelly has successfully transitioned to a left-back position, despite originally training as a midfielder in Arsenal’s academy. He described the transition as smooth, driven by his passion for learning and improving his game.

“I’ve enjoyed this new role,” he stated. “Being adaptable is crucial in football; I’m willing to play wherever the manager feels I’m needed.”

Impact of Hale End Academy

The Hale End academy has been pivotal in shaping Lewis-Skelly’s development, having produced several successful players, including Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe. “The values instilled at Hale End have helped me adjust to the first team,” he shared. “The academy emphasizes producing players who can contribute to the first team.”

He also recognized the potential of his fellow academy mates, noting that more talent is on the horizon: “It is in the Hale End DNA to foster future stars.”

Bond with Teammate Ethan Nwaneri

Lewis-Skelly shared a close bond with teammate Ethan Nwaneri, praising their shared journey through the ranks. “We’ve always supported each other,” he said. “He’s like a brother to me.” Their camaraderie and encouragement have been invaluable in their development.

Facing Real Madrid at the Bernabeu

Reflecting on his experiences, Lewis-Skelly spoke about his time at the Bernabeu, where Arsenal secured a decisive aggregate victory against Real Madrid. “I felt at home during that match, thanks to the trust my manager and teammates placed in me,” he said. “It boosted my confidence significantly.”

He expressed his desire to embrace every moment of playing at such a prestigious venue, focusing on staying present and calm amidst the thrill. “Facing world-class players is a challenge I look forward to,” he commented. “It’s a chance to test myself.”

Thoughts on the Season

When reflecting on his season, Lewis-Skelly acknowledged the resilience shown by the team through adversity. “We’ve faced challenges, but we continue to show our strength as a unit,” he remarked. “Personally, the journey from the U21s to the first team has been rewarding.”

Confidence through Preparation

Discussing his confidence, Lewis-Skelly attributed it to thorough preparation. He mentioned how practices like journaling and visualization guide his mindset, shaping his approach to both training and matches. “I believe in my abilities, and that belief is reinforced through my mentality,” he explained.

Inspirations in Football

Lewis-Skelly draws inspiration from football greats such as Marcelo and Paolo Maldini for their skills and impact on the game. “Their abilities to read the game and command their positions are something I aspire to emulate,” he said.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Lewis-Skelly expressed his ambition to continually develop and succeed. “I want to become the best version of myself every day,” he said. As for Arsenal, he emphasized their goal of competing for the Champions League title: “We are eager to win and capitalize on this opportunity.”

Source
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