Mikel Arteta says he is determined to end Arsenal’s long wait for Champions League glory after last season’s heartbreaking semi-final exit. The Gunners, who lost to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, have spent £250 million this summer to strengthen their squad for another push at Europe’s top prize.
Arsenal head into their 23rd season in the competition, starting against Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés, still without a Champions League title. Arteta said the club’s history shows how tough the tournament is, but insisted the time has come to change that.
“This is our club’s history and we want to change it,” he said. “Pressure is an opportunity. It gives us energy. Every decision must match those standards and expectations so we have the best chance. In those moments of defeat, you have to understand what it takes to get back.”
He described last season’s defeat as “painful,” not only for how it felt but because of the belief it created among players and fans. “We showed incredible consistency and quality. We need to learn from that and get better,” he added.
When asked about the biggest lesson from last season, Arteta said: “We’re good enough to compete against anyone on our day. But two or three things have to go your way. You need your full squad available for the key moments. Margins are very small. We were training with eight or nine key players and going into games with just 13. It’s very tough, but we gave ourselves an incredible chance and were unlucky not to go through.”
Arteta stressed the journey is long and difficult. “Big clubs try seven, eight, nine times and only win twice. Only one winner emerges and you lose more than you win. But we’re determined to get better every day. That’s the start and end of it.”
He also gave updates on injuries. Bukayo Saka, who suffered a hamstring injury in August, still has “a lot of steps” before returning. Captain Martin Ødegaard will miss the match in Spain after injuring his shoulder in the win over Nottingham Forest. William Saliba, however, is back from injury and available to play.
