Jakub Kiwior on Staying Calm in High-Stakes Match Against Madrid
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Synopsis
Jakub Kiwior shares his excitement about playing at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first time after Arsenal's 3-0 win over Real Madrid. He discusses the importance of staying calm and his partnership with William Saliba as they aim to continue their winning streak.
Key Takeaways
- Kiwior is excited for his first match at the Santiago Bernabeu.
- He helped Arsenal secure a 3-0 victory in the first leg.
- Staying calm is crucial for the second leg.
- Every clean sheet is significant for him.
- Partnership with William Saliba remains undefeated.
London, April 14 (NationPress) Jakub Kiwior is embracing the chances presented by Mikel Arteta as he played a key role in Arsenal's impressive 3-0 victory at home over Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Looking ahead to the second leg, the Polish defender expressed his excitement about visiting the Santiago Bernabeu for the first time on Wednesday.
“I think this is an amazing stadium. I've never been there, and of course for me this is a very good experience. I think it's one of the biggest stadiums, so I'm waiting for this game. It's important to stay calm, but we have to win the second leg,” Kiwior stated on Arsenal's website.
Reflecting on the 3-0 triumph in the first leg, where he helped maintain a clean sheet alongside William Saliba, Jakub noted the satisfaction of securing such a decisive win. He also acknowledged Gabriel Magalhaes, whose season-ending injury paved the way for Kiwior to step into the first team.
“After the game I felt really good,” he shared. “You know that after a game like that, there's no other way, you just feel really good, but I still feel like it's not over yet. The most difficult thing is still ahead of us. So I'm still cool-headed.
“I didn't feel nervous. Of course, this was one of the biggest games in my career. But of course, I had the big game (against Kylian Mbappe) in the national team, but I was ready for everything, and I felt very good before the game.
“Every clean sheet is perfect for me, because this is my job on the pitch. Mbappe is very quick, he's a very good player, one of the best strikers at this moment.
“I have to be ready for everything. Of course, Gabi could’ve played this game but he's injured, and I have to be ready for everything. I didn't wait for this moment, but I hope he comes back very quick and we can train together fighting for the one position,” he added.
Regarding his partnership with William Saliba, Kiwior expressed delight in learning that they have never lost a match they started together.
“This is good, so we have to continue our next game, and I hope it will be the same and we continue,” he said. “We spoke a lot, so we have a very good combination, very good communication on the pitch.”
