Mikel Arteta is confident Arsenal can compete for the Champions League title and has challenged his squad to embrace the decisive part of the season. With the Premier League title slipping away, Arsenal’s best shot at silverware lies in Europe, and Arteta believes his players must seize the opportunity.
Arsenal are on the brink of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals, holding a commanding 7-1 aggregate lead over PSV Eindhoven ahead of their second-leg clash. If they advance, they could face either Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid — a daunting prospect, but one Arteta relishes.
“I have full belief that we can compete against any team,” Arteta said. “We’ve been consistent in the competition, but now comes the most exciting part. We have to finish the job against PSV and then go again.”
Arteta’s confidence comes from Arsenal’s growth under his leadership. The team has shown resilience and quality, but consistency remains a challenge. Injuries and missed opportunities have derailed their domestic title bid, but the Champions League offers a fresh chance to make history.
William Saliba echoed his manager’s optimism, stating that Arsenal must believe they can win it all. “If we don’t dream of winning the Champions League, there’s no point in playing,” he said. “We’ve come this far, and now there are only a few games left to reach the final. We all believe we can do it.”
Arsenal’s belief will be tested in the later rounds, where small details can make the difference. Arteta knows his team must be mentally sharp and technically precise to navigate the knockout stages. “At this level, every detail counts,” he said. “It’s about being at your best when it matters most.”
The Gunners have struggled for trophies in recent years, but the Champions League offers a shot at redemption. The squad is hungry for success, and players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Declan Rice are eager to make their mark on Europe’s biggest stage.
Arteta has transformed Arsenal into a team capable of competing with Europe’s elite, but the next step is turning potential into silverware. The manager’s message is clear: believe, fight, and leave everything on the pitch.
With the quarter-finals within reach, Arsenal’s Champions League journey is just heating up. If they can harness their belief and play to their strengths, there’s no reason they can’t go all the way. Arteta and his squad know the challenge ahead — and they’re ready to face it head-on.