In an interview with Sky Sports, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (44) outlined his clear ambition ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. Following their Premier League title win, the Spanish coach described a squad convinced they still have a major step to take.
Arteta: “I’ve imagined winning this title many times”
On the Premier League title
“I’ve imagined winning this title many times. But this time, more than ever, there was something there. I’ve visualized it a lot these past few months. I could close my eyes and picture it. It was different from other seasons.”
Arteta: “Our only goal now is to achieve that goal”
On the Champions League final
“That’s where we are now, and now we have to take the next step, and that step will take place in seven days in Budapest, to win the Champions League, and we know it.” Our only objective now is to achieve that goal.
Arteta: “I think we need to be very confident and believe in our chances of winning it.”
“The energy is incredible here, with the players, with everyone, because we have a lot of families, a lot of people who know each other, a lot of people connected within and around the club. You see the joy, but you also see the ambition. We’ve done this, but now we want this. Given our Champions League run this season, I think we need to be very confident and believe in our chances of winning it.”
Arteta’s message doesn’t sound like a simple declaration of euphoria after a domestic title. The Arsenal manager is primarily conveying the idea of a group that has reached the end of a long process, now convinced that its European moment can also come. By mentioning visualization, collective energy, and the ambition surrounding his club, he paints a picture of a team that doesn’t just want to enjoy its presence in the final, but fully embrace it.
For PSG, the warning is clear: Arsenal won’t arrive dressed as underdogs, happy to be there. The London club comes with momentum, confidence, and a sense of collective purpose. However, Paris is also familiar with this arena: the arena of big matches where emotional momentum alone is never enough without control.
Arteta’s statement also serves to set the psychological stage for the final. Arsenal advances with the strength of a newly crowned champion, while Paris Saint-Germain will have to respond with its experience, composure, and ability to avoid being drawn into the opposing narrative.
