Mikel Arteta has rallied the club ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, describing the feeling among the camp as “excited, enthusiastic, and positive”.
We return to Wembley to take on Pep Guardiola’s side, with the first major trophy of 2025/26 up for grabs.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Friday afternoon, Mikel was upbeat and remains focused on continuing the most effective possible preparation for the final.
“For me, (Sunday is just to win a trophy), that’s it. For me, that’s it,” the boss said.
“All the preparation and all the enjoyment in the next 48 hours to get to Wembley in the best possible way, we’re really prepared and confident that we’re going to make it happen. I’m excited, enthusiastic, and positive.
“(This is) one of the defining moments because at the end, it’s whether you win the trophy or not – and that’s the most important thing once you get to the final. But in order to be there, you have to do a lot of things and earn a lot of things as the team has done so far. So, we need to prove that point, that’s clear, and that has to be done on the pitch.”
Mikel is set for his ninth involvement with Arsenal at Wembley, having managed the Gunners four times at the national stadium and also played there in red and white on four occasions – winning each and every time.
And the manager has defiantly called on the fans to wholeheartedly create an “exceptional” atmosphere, as has been in the case in years gone by.
“I’ve won (trophies) when the stadium is full and been part of that, and it’s exceptional.
“One of the best memories I have as a player is playing those types of games. That’s why we’re all very excited, because we know what’s at stake.
“We really want it and we know what it’s going to mean for our people as well.”
Arteta is adamant the progress the club is making is hugely exciting, and highlights the importance of remaining committed to taking the right path.
“We are very excited about what we’re doing and we need to continue to make the right strides. Especially, performing in the right way when those moments come. To achieve what we want, to start to build the momentum that we want as a club.
“When you have been in this position and gone years without winning a trophy, obviously it adds more necessity but as well more drive because you really want it. And that’s something that we have.
“That is something really important for us and something that we’ve been trying to achieve for a while –Â and now we have the opportunity to do it.”
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Every word from Arteta’s Carabao Cup final presser
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