8 hours ago
47
After rejecting Liverpool last summer and then joining Arsenal a year later, Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi has made a bizarre claim about the Reds' Champions League exit at the hands of eventual winners PSG.
Speaking on Arsenal's pre-season tour, Zubimendi explained what he felt needed to improve from last season if the Gunners are to overhaul Liverpool and win major silverware for the first time under Mikel Arteta. "The most important thing about this club is that they learn from previous seasons," Zubimendi said.
"The lessons they’ve learned from how last season ended will be key to getting even closer to this year’s targets. Football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League. Arsenal were the only team who truly stood up to PSG and they let it slip because of minor details."
In reality, of course, Liverpool actually beat PSG in Paris, albeit with a stunning performance from Alisson Becker. The Reds couldn't argue with being eliminated, but only lost on penalties after 210 minutes over two legs.
Aston Villa beat PSG at Villa Park, but ended up losing 5-4. And then the Ligue 1 giant won home and away against Arsenal, progressing into the final in Munich by three goals to one on aggregate.
The only team to stand up to PSG? That is quite the rewriting of history from the midfielder, who had a $70 million (£51 million) release clause.
Zubimendi also explained why he opted to reject Liverpool a year ago. "It wasn't an easy time," he told The Athletic. "I wanted to stay at La Real, but when offers come in, you start thinking about your options.
"The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to leave — and it wasn’t the right time. I felt La Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying was the best decision."
Arteta was a big reason that Zubimendi changed his mind on wanting to stay in La Liga. The ex-Everton ace is from the same region in Spain, with the 26-year-old having a strong relationship with his new boss.
"I don’t know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe," Zubimendi explained. "I wanted a quality coach when I left Real Sociedad.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
"I think I’ve found him. In the few days I’ve been here, I’ve seen how meticulous he is about every aspect of the game, so I think he’s the one."
Zubimendi will get the chance to play at Anfield in the early parts of the season. Liverpool is scheduled to host Arsenal on the final day of August after matches against Bournemouth and Newcastle United to kick off the new campaign.
Liverpool.com says: Zubimendi will be a good signing for Arsenal, in all likelihood. With Ryan Gravenberch having excelled so much, though, Arne Slot won't be too fussed. The Dutchman reached such a high level last year that he has the position nailed down.
English (US) ·