Coach Mikel Arteta said on Monday (29) that Arsenal has ambitions that go beyond the Champions League semifinal. The team faces Paris Saint-Germain in the first phase game before the decision.
The match at Emirates Stadium in London ,.
current champion and biggest winner in the history of the tournament, with an aggregate of 5 to 1 in the quarterfinals, in an inspired performance.
“We have overcome many problems and challenges this season. Being among the top four in Europe says a lot about the mindset and spirit of the team,” he said.
“We are making history, it is a beautiful story right now, but we want even more,” added the Spanish coach at a press conference.
Arsenal reaches the third semifinal of Champions in history
It will only be the third time Arsenal will compete in, the first since 2009, when it was eliminated by the local rival Manchester United.
Arteta highlighted the confidence of her players to face PSG. “They feel we can be better than our opponents,” he said.
“That was the feeling against Madrid and previous games. I look at their eyes and see that they can barely expect to play,” said the coach.
The arsenal has been packed: it has been unbeaten for more than two months in all competitions and expects to repeat the triumph over PSG in the group stage, when they won 2-0.
Arteta praises Arsenal’s attitude before a duel with PSG
Arteta praised the team’s stance in the victory against the French in October. “I loved our presence, body language, intensity and aggressiveness,” he said.
“We play with a lot of belief and determination. Against great opponents, it is essential to impose itself from the beginning,” added the coach.
Meanwhile, PSG arrives pressured after suffering their first defeat in the French League this season :.
Arsenal will have important embezzlement: Thomas Party is suspended after being warned against Real Madrid and Riccardo Calafiori is still injured.
Arsenal can have important reinforcements for the semifinal
Despite the casualties, Arteta can have reinforcements for the confrontation. Defender Ben White and midfielder Mikel Merino have trained and can be an option.
“We lost Thomas too late in the game against Real. Ben and Mikel trained, let’s see if they can start tomorrow. Calafiori is not ready yet,” explained Arteta.
Asked if Arsenal should be considered a favorite to the title, Arteta was cautious: “Looking at history, no, because we never won.”
“I hope that if anyone believes we can earn, whether for the performances we are delivering against high level opponents,” concluded the coach.
