UMVA has learned that Mikel Arteta is brimming with confidence as Arsenal prepares to take on PSG in the Champions League final, fresh from their Premier League title win.
The Gunners' 22-year wait for a Premier League title finally came to an end on Sunday, with Arteta's side lifting the trophy in electrifying scenes at Selhurst Park. The team's players celebrated long into the night, and were given the day off on Monday before preparations begin for Saturday's Champions League final against PSG.
Arteta is convinced that his side will complete an incredible double, saying, "We have the opportunity to create new history in our club. I am convinced we are going to do it." He emphasized the importance of harnessing the team's celebratory energy and using it to fuel their performance in the final.
The new Premier League champions are underdogs against Champions League holders PSG, but Arteta is undaunted. "We need this energy to flow, and going against that, I think it will be a big mistake," he said. "We talked about already what we have to do in Budapest, how we're going to use all the incredible energy that we're all carrying towards that final."
Arsenal defender William Saliba has echoed Arteta's sentiments, saying that he is not satisfied with only winning the Premier League and will do everything he can against "scary" PSG. "It would mean a lot," Saliba said after lifting the Premier League trophy. "Now we have started with the Premier League, it is my first one, so I am happy. But I am not full. I want more."
Saliba acknowledged that PSG will be a tough opponent, but expressed confidence in Arsenal's abilities. "They were scary last year, and they're still scary this year. So nothing has changed. We know that if we want to beat them, we have to be 100%." He also highlighted Arsenal's strong defensive record this season, saying, "We have the best defence this season. And when you are the best, you want to play the best."
Arsenal booked their place in a first Champions League final since 2006 with a semi-final win over Atletico Madrid, while PSG continued their title defence against Bayern Munich. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between two top-class teams.
