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Riccardo Calafiori provided Arsenal's critics and doubters with the perfect response after the Gunners' win over Sporting CP
Riccardo Calafiori has claimed Arsenal's doubters "love to speak about" the club after he helped the Gunners to victory in Lisbon.
The Italian responded following a difficult week for club and country. The defender started both of Italy’s play-off matches but saw his country fail to qualify for the World Cup after they were beaten by Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Before heartbreak with his national side, Calafiori witnessed Arsenal exit both the League Cup and the FA Cup. The 23-year-old gave his reflections on the last fortnight-plus when speaking to the media after the 1-0 win against Sporting CP on Tuesday.
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“Last couple of weeks, I would say, have been tough but that is the beauty of football,” he said. “It is 100 per cent better now.
“This chance to play three days later rather than just stay home and think about it. Of course I’m really disappointed but I’ve got a lot to play for with Arsenal and I’m really enjoying it.”
Asked if this was a reality which could yet ignite something deeper in him, while there was some agreement, the underlying frustration remains.
“Yeah, maybe,” he replied. “Maybe in a way, yes. But as I say, I’m still really disappointed and sad.”
The 1-0 win over Sporting CP though has got the Gunners and Calafiori back to winning ways. A late goal from Kai Havertz secured the Champions League first-leg win, and the left-back echoed the words of his manager Mikel Arteta who spoke at length of wanting to lean into their “identity.”
“To win is the best way to get back on track,” he said. “That was a clear demonstration of our identity, which maybe we lost a little bit in the last couple of games.
“But we came back as I like, I recognise my team again, you know. It’s a nice game to come back, and now we can enjoy it, but we are already thinking about Saturday. We are happy.”
Naturally, the dip in form has provoked plenty of the negative noise that has festered throughout the season to heighten. Yet when asked if he was aware of the criticisms on the outside, his response was rather pointed.
“I don’t think about it too much,” he said. “I just know they love to speak about us.
“It’s obvious that it’s a massive club with so much history that they love to speak about us. But it doesn’t change anything for me.”
Arsenal now face Bournemouth this Saturday, and a win would open a 12-point gap to their Premier League title rivals Manchester City before they travel to Chelsea. Calafiori was under no illusions just how critical this fixture is for the club.
“Every game is - hopefully - really important now until the end of April and also hopefully the end of May,” he said. “It’s a completely different game.
“We will play at our stadium, our home, we know how to play in the Premier League, and now we must rest and then think about Saturday again.”
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