Speaking to the London Evening Standard, Arsenal's teenage midfielder Matteo Guendouzi has revealed his surprise at becoming a regular in the Gunners' side this season.
"I had a chance during the pre-season tour and I took it, I showed I could be part of this team, " the 19-year-old said.
"I'm a bit surprised that everything has been going so well.
"Let's be honest, apart from the players here who follow a bit of the French leagues, no one had ever heard of me."
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What do the stats say?
Arsenal v BATE (0-1) (Thurs, 17:55 GMT)
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Looking ahead to Arsenal's tie with BATE at the Emirates on Thursday.
Here's what the stats say:
Arsenal will host BATE Borisov in European competition for a second time,
having beaten them 6-0 in last season’s group stage at the Emirates.
Including qualifiers, Belarusian sides have lost three of their four previous
visits to English clubs in the UEFA Europa League
Arsenal haven’t failed to score in both legs of a
two-legged tie in European competition since the European Supercup final in
February 1995, when they followed up a goalless draw at home to Milan with a
0-2 defeat away from home.
BATE Borisov have won each of their last three Europa League games; they
had only won two of their previous 16 in the competition beforehand
Igor Stasevich, who assisted BATE’s winning goal in the first leg against
Arsenal, has at least three more assists (seven) than any other player in the
2018-19 UEFA Europa League.
Can the Gunners turn the 0-1 aggregate score around?
It looks like Spurs striker Harry Kane could be back in action against the Clarets on Saturday.
The England captain, 25, injured his ankle against Manchester United on 13 January and wasn't expected to return to action until March.
In case you needed a fantasy football boost...
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SMS Message: Arsenal and Chelsea should just swap managers. Such a simple solution and both managers feel like better fits that way! from Stan, Birmingham
Arsenal and Chelsea should just swap managers. Such a simple solution and both managers feel like better fits that way!
Post update
Cardiff City v Watford (Fri, 19:45 GMT)
Watford
Watford travel to Cardiff in one of two Premier League fixtures on Friday night.
The Hornets are into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, but manager Javi Gracia says it's too soon to label them as among the favourites to lift the trophy.
"I think to speak about what we can do in the future is a little lack of respect for the teams we are going to play against," Gracia said.
"I don't like to speak about the future. I think football is (the) present. In this case, we are going to play next Friday against Cardiff and we now focus on the Premier League."
Get Involved
#bbcfootball or text 81111 (UK only)
Bill Duff: Sarri is being clever, he has decided that he wants a payoff and makes decisions that will force the boards hand. Jorghinio is not good enough for the Premier league, Cesc Fabrigas was better. If Sarri feared for his job, he would play a team formation to win games.
Neil Osmond: Play Loftus-Cheek, Hudson-Odoi, Kante back where he belongs. Hazard where HE wants.
SMS Message: Sarri is not the problem, the players are. Alonso, Luiz, Jorginho, Kovatic and Pedro are not good enough for Chelsea. I would prefer to see Emerson, Christensen, Loftus-Cheek, Hudson-Odoi all play and be given a chance to prove themselves. Sarri has to change something otherwise he'll return to see a P45 on his desk. from Andy
Sarri is not the problem, the players are. Alonso, Luiz, Jorginho, Kovatic and Pedro are not good enough for Chelsea. I would prefer to see Emerson, Christensen, Loftus-Cheek, Hudson-Odoi all play and be given a chance to prove themselves. Sarri has to change something otherwise he'll return to see a P45 on his desk.
'Ozil working hard in training' - Emery
Arsenal v BATE (Thurs, 17:55 GMT)
Arsenal
Arsenal manager Unai Emery says Mezut Ozil's future at Arsenal is in his own hands.
"The key is in his hands and he is working very well this
week, " Emery said.
"He needs to be consistent in training and for matches, without injury or
being sick. Without that we can see the best Mesut with us."
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#bbcfootball or text 81111 (UK only)
Tom Lane: people seem to forget Sarri's Chelsea have beaten Guardiola's City already this season, the cup final might not be a foregone conclusion...
David E: All those calling for Sarri to say, what’s the need? If what I’m seeing in recent times is all he knows about coaching/managing a football team, then I might as well be a better coach than him. Sarri out
SMS Message: Chelsea made a mistake signing Sarri, a manager with a long term plan but with no place for young British talent. It would not surprise me if Sarri finds himself in the football wilderness like Scolari and AVB - where are they now? from John, Tunbridge Wells
Chelsea made a mistake signing Sarri, a manager with a long term plan but with no place for young British talent. It would not surprise me if Sarri finds himself in the football wilderness like Scolari and AVB - where are they now?
Post update
Arsenal v BATE (Thurs, 17:55 GMT)
That's pretty much it from Maurizio Sarri for today.
It's Arsenal manager Unai Emery's turn now, with his comments to the media coming up shortly.
Post update
Chelsea v Malmo (Thurs, 20:00 GMT)
Chelsea
Will Maurizio Sarri's future be determined by the result against Malmo on Thursday?
He is simply focused on what his team needs to do.
"We need to win three, four matches in a row. It's the only solution," Sarri
said.
Sarri has not spoken to Abramovich
Chelsea v malmo (Thurs, 20:00 GMT)
Chelsea
Maurizo Sarri has confirmed he hasn't held a meeting with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich or director Marina Granovskaia this
week.
"I have to think that I will be the manager of Chelsea for a long time,
otherwise I cannot work," he added.
"I am not sure (if I will be here for a long time), but I have to think this.
I have to work and I want to work with a long-range target.
"Of course in this moment it's very difficult to think we're able to win
three, four matches in a row. As you know very well in football everything can
change in one day.
"I think we need first of all a good performance, a good result and with more
confidence we are able to do anything."
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
'I want to see football in another way' - Sarri
Chelsea v Malmo (Thurs, 20:00 GMT)
Chelsea
More from Maurizo Sarri, who refused to compromise on his 4-3-3 system and possession-based
style known as 'Sarri-ball', which was ridiculed by the home supporters on
Monday.
"The system is a false problem," the 60-year-old added.
"I know very well that when we lose I have to put a striker on the pitch. When
we win I have to put a defender on the pitch. But I want to see football in
another way."
Khedira has treatment for heart condition
Atletico Madrid v Juventus (20:00 GMT)
Meanwhile, Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira is expected to be out for about a month after having treatment for an irregular heartbeat.
Khedira, 31, had further tests after being ruled out of Wednesday's Champions League game at Atletico Madrid because of atrial arrhythmia.
The condition causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate and can lead to issues including dizziness, shortness of breath and tiredness.
A statement from the Italian champions on Wednesday said: "After a short period of convalescence, he will be able to resume his activity approximately within one month."
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Get Involved
#bbcfootball or text 81111 (UK only)
SMS Message: Sarri should play both strikers together and play Hudson-Odoi with hazard. Put Kante back in front of defence and play Barclay instead of Jorginho from Mike. Sandhurst
Sarri should play both strikers together and play Hudson-Odoi with hazard. Put Kante back in front of defence and play Barclay instead of Jorginho
SMS Message: Sarri is clearly a classy coach with a lot of potential - what he did at Napoli proves that. But he needs to get off his high horse otherwise he's his own worst enemy. His errors are the most basic & obvious ones. Get a plan B - Kante in front of defence & crosses into Giroud - and Chelsea could well win on Sunday. from Spike, Hammersmith
Sarri is clearly a classy coach with a lot of potential - what he did at Napoli proves that. But he needs to get off his high horse otherwise he's his own worst enemy. His errors are the most basic & obvious ones. Get a plan B - Kante in front of defence & crosses into Giroud - and Chelsea could well win on Sunday.
Team news: Pedro & Zappacosta ill; Kepa injured
Chelsea v Malmo (Thurs, 20:00 GMT)
Chelsea
Maurizio Sarri insists Chelsea's match against Malmo on Thursday is a chance to qualify for the next round, so focus is not yet on facing Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
On player availability for the Europa league tie, he said: "Pedro is suffering with a stomach ache, Kepa has a hamstring problem and Zappacosta has a fever."
Live Reporting
Denise Evans and Laura Savvas
All times stated are UK
Get involved
-
Schalke v Man City (Wed, 20:00) -Champions League
-
Arsenal v BATE Borisov (Thurs, 17:55) -Europa League
-
Chelsea v Malmo (Thurs, 20:00) -Europa League
-
Valencia v Celtic (Thurs, 17:55)
-
Cardiff City v Watford (Fri, 19:45) -Premier League
-
West Ham v Fulham (Fri, 19:45) -Premier League
-
Burnley v Tottenham (Sat, 12:30) -Premier League
-
Bournemouth v Wolves (Sat, 15:00) -Premier League
-
Newcastle v Huddersfield (Sat, 15:00) -Premier League
-
Leicester v Crystal Palace (Sat, 17:30) -Premier League
-
Arsenal v Southampton (Sun, 14:05) -Premier League
-
Man Utd v Liverpool (Sun, 14:05) -Premier League
-
Chelsea v Man City (Sun, 16:30)- Carabao Cup final
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images -
Ozil's future is in his own hands - Emery
-
Chelsea need to win three or four games in a row- Sarri
-
Sarri has NOT spoken to Abramovich about his future
-
Pedro & Zappacosta ill; Kepa injured
-
Lanzini & Nasri in contention; Wilshere close - Pellegrini
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Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images -
Arsenal will host BATE Borisov in European competition for a second time,
having beaten them 6-0 in last season’s group stage at the Emirates.
-
Including qualifiers, Belarusian sides have lost three of their four previous
visits to English clubs in the UEFA Europa League
-
Arsenal haven’t failed to score in both legs of a
two-legged tie in European competition since the European Supercup final in
February 1995, when they followed up a goalless draw at home to Milan with a
0-2 defeat away from home.
-
BATE Borisov have won each of their last three Europa League games; they
had only won two of their previous 16 in the competition beforehand
-
Igor Stasevich, who assisted BATE’s winning goal in the first leg against
Arsenal, has at least three more assists (seven) than any other player in the
2018-19 UEFA Europa League.
View more on twitterView more on twitter 
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Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Latest PostThat's your lot
So, Maurizio Sarri and Unai Emery have spoken ahead of their respective Europa League ties on Thursday.
Both key games in Arsenal and Chelsea's seasons.
Here's a reminder of football fixtures coming up over the next couple of days.
Follow the European ties on the BBC Sport website, right here.
Ta ra for now!
(All times listed in GMT)
Scores on the doors
Just joining us? Here's what you missed...
'This is a big moment' - Emery
Arsenal v BATE (0-1 agg) (Thurs, 17:55 GMT)
Arsenal
Arsenal manager Unai Emery says his side are heading into a "big" moment in the season.
"We are in a big moment, an important moment for the season and we need consistency," he said.
Speaking about Arsenal's desire to win the Europa League, the Spaniard said:
"The Europa League has improved a lot since last year. It's very difficult to win now.
"Everyone wants to win this cup as it gives you a chance to play in Champions League next season.
"So many teams have that chance."
Harry's back!
Burnley v Tottenham (Sat, 12:30 GMT)
'I'm surprised I'm a regular starter' - Guendouzi
Arsenal v BATE (0-1) (17:55 GMT)
Arsenal
Speaking to the London Evening Standard, Arsenal's teenage midfielder Matteo Guendouzi has revealed his surprise at becoming a regular in the Gunners' side this season.
"I had a chance during the pre-season tour and I took it, I showed I could be part of this team, " the 19-year-old said.
"I'm a bit surprised that everything has been going so well.
"Let's be honest, apart from the players here who follow a bit of the French leagues, no one had ever heard of me."
What do the stats say?
Arsenal v BATE (0-1) (Thurs, 17:55 GMT)
Looking ahead to Arsenal's tie with BATE at the Emirates on Thursday.
Here's what the stats say:
Can the Gunners turn the 0-1 aggregate score around?
Post update
Burnley v Tottenham (Sat, 12:30 GMT)
Guess who's back...
Burnley v Tottenham (Sat, 12:30 GMT)
Look away Burnley fans...
It looks like Spurs striker Harry Kane could be back in action against the Clarets on Saturday.
The England captain, 25, injured his ankle against Manchester United on 13 January and wasn't expected to return to action until March.
In case you needed a fantasy football boost...
Get Involved
#bbcfootball or text 81111 (UK only)
Post update
Cardiff City v Watford (Fri, 19:45 GMT)
Watford
Watford travel to Cardiff in one of two Premier League fixtures on Friday night.
The Hornets are into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, but manager Javi Gracia says it's too soon to label them as among the favourites to lift the trophy.
"I think to speak about what we can do in the future is a little lack of respect for the teams we are going to play against," Gracia said.
"I don't like to speak about the future. I think football is (the) present. In this case, we are going to play next Friday against Cardiff and we now focus on the Premier League."
Get Involved
#bbcfootball or text 81111 (UK only)
Bill Duff: Sarri is being clever, he has decided that he wants a payoff and makes decisions that will force the boards hand. Jorghinio is not good enough for the Premier league, Cesc Fabrigas was better. If Sarri feared for his job, he would play a team formation to win games.
Neil Osmond: Play Loftus-Cheek, Hudson-Odoi, Kante back where he belongs. Hazard where HE wants.
'Ozil working hard in training' - Emery
Arsenal v BATE (Thurs, 17:55 GMT)
Arsenal
Arsenal manager Unai Emery says Mezut Ozil's future at Arsenal is in his own hands.
"The key is in his hands and he is working very well this week, " Emery said.
"He needs to be consistent in training and for matches, without injury or being sick. Without that we can see the best Mesut with us."
Get Involved
#bbcfootball or text 81111 (UK only)
Tom Lane: people seem to forget Sarri's Chelsea have beaten Guardiola's City already this season, the cup final might not be a foregone conclusion...
David E: All those calling for Sarri to say, what’s the need? If what I’m seeing in recent times is all he knows about coaching/managing a football team, then I might as well be a better coach than him. Sarri out
Post update
Arsenal v BATE (Thurs, 17:55 GMT)
That's pretty much it from Maurizio Sarri for today.
It's Arsenal manager Unai Emery's turn now, with his comments to the media coming up shortly.
Post update
Chelsea v Malmo (Thurs, 20:00 GMT)
Chelsea
Will Maurizio Sarri's future be determined by the result against Malmo on Thursday?
He is simply focused on what his team needs to do.
"We need to win three, four matches in a row. It's the only solution," Sarri said.
Sarri has not spoken to Abramovich
Chelsea v malmo (Thurs, 20:00 GMT)
Chelsea
Maurizo Sarri has confirmed he hasn't held a meeting with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich or director Marina Granovskaia this week.
"I have to think that I will be the manager of Chelsea for a long time, otherwise I cannot work," he added.
"I am not sure (if I will be here for a long time), but I have to think this. I have to work and I want to work with a long-range target.
"Of course in this moment it's very difficult to think we're able to win three, four matches in a row. As you know very well in football everything can change in one day.
"I think we need first of all a good performance, a good result and with more confidence we are able to do anything."
'I want to see football in another way' - Sarri
Chelsea v Malmo (Thurs, 20:00 GMT)
Chelsea
More from Maurizo Sarri, who refused to compromise on his 4-3-3 system and possession-based style known as 'Sarri-ball', which was ridiculed by the home supporters on Monday. "The system is a false problem," the 60-year-old added.
"I know very well that when we lose I have to put a striker on the pitch. When we win I have to put a defender on the pitch. But I want to see football in another way."
Khedira has treatment for heart condition
Atletico Madrid v Juventus (20:00 GMT)
Meanwhile, Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira is expected to be out for about a month after having treatment for an irregular heartbeat.
Khedira, 31, had further tests after being ruled out of Wednesday's Champions League game at Atletico Madrid because of atrial arrhythmia.
The condition causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate and can lead to issues including dizziness, shortness of breath and tiredness.
A statement from the Italian champions on Wednesday said: "After a short period of convalescence, he will be able to resume his activity approximately within one month."
Get Involved
#bbcfootball or text 81111 (UK only)
Team news: Pedro & Zappacosta ill; Kepa injured
Chelsea v Malmo (Thurs, 20:00 GMT)
Chelsea
Maurizio Sarri insists Chelsea's match against Malmo on Thursday is a chance to qualify for the next round, so focus is not yet on facing Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
On player availability for the Europa league tie, he said: "Pedro is suffering with a stomach ache, Kepa has a hamstring problem and Zappacosta has a fever."