Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his excitement ahead of the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, scheduled to take place at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Road to the Final
The Gunners secured their place in the final by defeating Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate, while PSG overcame Bayern Munich 6-5 over two legs in the semifinals. This marks Arsenal's first Champions League final appearance since their loss to Barcelona in 2006. PSG, on the other hand, are competing in their second consecutive final, aiming to defend their title.
The final kickoff time has been set at 5 pm, earlier than in previous years, to allow fans to enjoy the evening after the match and improve accessibility for global audiences.
Arteta's Mindset
Speaking to the media for the first time since learning his opponent, Arteta admitted to experiencing high emotions after the semifinal victory. However, he quickly shifted focus to the upcoming Premier League fixture against West Ham United.
"I was in a really high emotional state after the game, obviously, because we know what it means to everybody, to the club. You could tell what it means to everybody, to our supporters, players, staff," Arteta said, as quoted by the club's official website. "Straight after the game, you have to believe me, straight after that, my concentration, my focus, my energy was, 'ok, West Ham, what do we have to do on the mental side, physically, tactically, technically, to prepare in the best possible way to go there and win the game?' That's it."
Arteta remains unfazed by the prospect of facing PSG, acknowledging the quality of both potential opponents but expressing confidence in his team's ability to deliver on the big stage.
"It is what it is. We knew the level of the opposition that we had to face, either way, Bayern Munich or PSG," he added. "We know the quality that they have, and that's it. But obviously, we're also very confident that when we get to that moment, we're going to deliver what we need to."
Premier League Implications
Arsenal could secure the Premier League title this weekend if they defeat fellow London club West Ham United. The match is expected to be challenging, as West Ham are fighting to avoid relegation.
Enrique's Message
PSG manager Luis Enrique previously sent a message to Arteta after his team reached the final. Enrique recalled their shared childhood memories from their time in academies and expressed anticipation for a great football match.
