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Arsenal’s journey to the semi-finals of the Champions League has been described as a remarkable narrative, yet manager Mikel Arteta emphasizes that the team is aiming for greater achievements as they get ready to face Paris St-Germain.
Arteta expressed that the upcoming first leg (scheduled for 20:00 BST on Tuesday) represents “one of the biggest games ever held at the Emirates Stadium,” urging supporters to “play every ball together” during the match.
In the quarter-finals, Arsenal triumphed over the reigning champions Real Madrid with a convincing 5-1 aggregate score. The team now looks to take on PSG, a squad they previously defeated 2-0 during the league phase in October.
Despite their historic success, the Gunners have yet to secure a Champions League title, with their last semi-final appearance occurring in 2009, when they were outmatched by Manchester United, losing 4-1 on aggregate. Additionally, under the management of Arsène Wenger, they experienced defeat in the 2006 final against Barcelona.
Arteta remarked on the significance of this semi-final, highlighting the weight of history for many long-serving club members who have not experienced such a position before. “This tells you how unique and beautiful this opportunity is,” he said.
While the current season has posed challenges due to injuries affecting key players like Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Ben White, Arsenal has managed to remain competitive. The team has secured only one victory from their last four Premier League matches, which inadvertently assisted Liverpool in clinching the title early.
In contrast to their domestic struggles, Arsenal has been impressive in Europe, winning six out of eight league-phase matches and defeating PSV Eindhoven 9-3 in the Round of 16.
Arteta praised his team’s mindset and spirit, stating, “Being one of the four best teams in Europe is a testament to our determination and desire.”
With the potential returns of Mikel Merino and Ben White to training, Arteta has also called on the Gunners’ supporters to create an electrifying atmosphere, surpassing that of their recent 3-0 victory against Real Madrid.
“I’m serious about this,” Arteta urged. “Bring your boots, shorts, and T-shirt, and let’s work together on every play. If you want to achieve something special, the ambiance must be extraordinary—something we’ve never witnessed before.”
Source
www.bbc.com