This Tuesday at 9pm (CET), Paris Saint-Germain take on Arsenal at Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the Champions League 2024-2025 semi-final (return on May 7). In a press conference, Mikel Arteta, coach of the Gunners, spoke about the match and the Parisian opponent. And he did so with a great deal of respect and a desire to enjoy a memorable evening.
Arteta “Right now, we’re feeling the energy, the enthusiasm, something unique all around us”.
“Gabriel Martinelli said it was the biggest match of his life. Do you feel anything similar?
Right now, we’re feeling the energy, the enthusiasm, something unique, something that only great matches can bring. We can’t wait to play this match. Given the circumstances, all the injuries, all the challenges we’ve had to face, to see the team among the top four in Europe shows our resources and our mentality. We’re making history, and now we want more.
Arteta “Let’s create an atmosphere we’ve never seen before”.
Against Real, the atmosphere at the Emirates was already incredible…
But we need more than against Madrid, and I’m not exaggerating! Bring your shoes, your shorts and your shirts, and let’s play every ball together. Do you want to see something special? Let’s create an atmosphere that we’ve never seen before, and let it bring us great energy. There are people who have followed this club for many years and have never been in this position. I really don’t think I’ve ever experienced this kind of connection with our fans. We’ve been able to build on that, and tomorrow we have a huge opportunity to show who we are and where we want to go.
Arteta “At this level, margins aren’t important, it’s the state of mind and attitudes that make the difference”.
Did Aston Villa show PSG were vulnerable?
Every match is different, every context is different. At this level, margins aren’t important; it’s the state of mind and attitudes that often make the difference. The key is to have conviction, and to show it. You have to give your all for great things to happen. You have to live in the present. We’ve earned it.
Arteta: “This is a team that has worked hard, and you can see that in the details”.
With fewer stars than Real, does PSG present a different challenge?
It’s a team that’s worked well, you can see it in the details, and in the players who occupy different positions. But the event won’t change who we are. We’ve shown that we’re capable of adapting to different contexts. We’ll be playing the return leg at the Parc des Princes, that’s true, but playing the return leg at the Bernabeu was already a huge test, and we passed it with flying colours.”
The Champions League semi-final between PSG and Arsenal represents a historic turning point for the Parisian club. PSG have never won this competition, and neither have their London rivals, and this confrontation represents a rare opportunity to enter the legend of European soccer. The importance of this meeting is immense: it’s not just a question of reaching a final, but of reaching a symbolic milestone for two clubs who have been chasing this trophy for years.
For PSG, the challenge looks particularly daunting. Arsenal, buoyed by their elimination of Real Madrid, have exceptional energy and confidence, galvanized by an atmosphere at Emirates Stadium that promises to be electric. Both teams share a relative inexperience at this ultimate stage, which adds to the uncertainty and pressure: every detail, every moment of concentration or slackness, could tip the match.
Against this backdrop, PSG will need to demonstrate great mental and collective maturity if they are to win. State of mind, emotional management and the ability to be present at key moments will be decisive. This semi-final is not just a match: it’s a unique chance to make history for the club and a whole generation of fans.
