Arteta sends a battle letter to PSG before the historic Champions League final

Arsenal step into the Champions League final in a vastly changed state of mind following their Premier League triumph, with Mikel Arteta declaring that the team has cast off the weight of expectations and stands prepared to defeat PSG.

Coach Mikel Arteta asserted that Arsenal have completely unburdened themselves of "psychological baggage" after winning the Premier League, thus heading into the Champions League final against PSG in Budapest with full confidence.

After several consecutive seasons being labeled "perennial runners-up," Arsenal finally grasped their first Premier League title in 22 years. That achievement is not only significant as a trophy but also helped Arteta's squad release the immense pressure that had weighed on them for years.

Speaking to MARCA ahead of the big clash with PSG, the Spanish tactician said: "There is a feeling of happiness and relief, as if we have just unloaded a heavy burden. Arsenal can now say: 'We have done it.' And we must turn that emotion into a tsunami of hope, desire, and ambition to conquer the Champions League."

Arteta also admitted that he himself went through moments of self-doubt during the journey of bringing Arsenal back to the top. "Sometimes I felt vulnerable and wondered if I was capable enough. I thought: 'Am I the right person to lead this team?' You never get the answer until you achieve success. And the best part is that we did it together."

This season has witnessed a significant change in Arsenal's playing style, especially after the victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semifinal. Arteta's side have become more pragmatic, prioritizing solidity over their previous relentless attacking approach.

However, the 44-year-old manager emphasized that this was necessary given Arsenal's constant injury setbacks that weakened the squad. "If you put all our injuries into a calculation system, perhaps the probability of Arsenal winning the Premier League would be just 2%. But I do not accept that. We were forced to find other ways to win."

He further stressed the role of adaptability in modern football: "My job is to find solutions when the old ways are no longer enough to win. We must innovate, be flexible, and explore different directions."

Arsenal are very close to the greatest season in the club's history as they stand on the verge of completing a Premier League and Champions League double. If they beat PSG in Budapest, the "Gunners" will finally lay their hands on the prestigious European Cup after nearly 20 years of waiting. According to the schedule, the 2025/26 Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal will take place at 23:00 on May 30 (Vietnam time) at the Puskás Aréna.

Nevertheless, the challenge for Arteta and his players is immense, as PSG are the reigning European champions and are also aiming to defend their Champions League crown for the second consecutive season.