Mikel Arteta has expressed his confidence that Arsenal are genuine contenders to win the Champions League, urging his players to focus on the “most exciting part” of the season. With the Gunners 15 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, the Champions League is now their most realistic opportunity for silverware.
Arsenal are close to reaching the quarter-finals of the competition for the second consecutive year. They hold a commanding 7-1 aggregate lead going into the second leg of their last-16 tie against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday. Should they progress, they will face either Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid in the next round.
Arteta has full belief in his side’s ability to compete with any team remaining in the competition. “We have done a lot and probably the most exciting part is coming up right now,” said Arteta. “And we have to make sure that’s why tomorrow that we finish the job in the way that we want to do, to put ourselves in a great position to go again.”
He emphasized the importance of consistency, stating, “We have been extremely consistent in the competition. We have been very, very good and now we have to continue. It’s about getting the best out of ourselves and controlling every detail, because when you get to those stages, that is what will define whether you go through or not.”
Defender William Saliba echoed his manager’s optimism and insisted that Arsenal fear no one as they enter the critical stage of the Champions League. “If we don’t believe or dream to win the Champions League, there’s no point in playing,” said Saliba. “We are here, and now we’ve won the first game against PSV. Tomorrow we’ve got a good chance to win and qualify.”
Saliba continued, “After, there are four games before the final. We can do it, we all believe we can. We have to work and pray as well. We are sad when we don’t win a trophy, but we have to keep believing because we are here. We won the first game last week and if we win or draw, we’re in the quarter-finals. Then anything can happen. We have to believe in ourselves, and everyone thinks we can do it.”