Mikel Arteta is determined to lead Arsenal to their first Champions League title, believing this season presents a significant opportunity to ‘change history’. Despite key player absences, Arsenal are considered strong contenders by both Opta simulations and opposing managers.
Mikel Arteta has emphatically stated his determination to lead Arsenal to Champions League glory, aiming to rewrite the club’s history in Europe’s most prestigious competition. While Arsenal boasts a rich domestic record with 13 English titles, their European journey has been marked by near misses, fueling Arteta’s ambition to finally lift the coveted trophy.
The Gunners’ previous best performance in the Champions League came in 2006, when they reached the final only to be defeated 2-1 by Barcelona. They have also reached the semi-finals on three occasions – most recently last season – where they were ultimately overcome by Paris Saint-Germain with an aggregate score of 3-1. This season, however, feels different for Arteta and the Arsenal faithful.
According to Opta’s supercomputer simulations, Arsenal are firmly positioned among the frontrunners for Champions League success, with a 16% probability of winning the tournament. Only Liverpool, with a 20% chance, are currently favored to claim the title in May. This statistical backing, combined with the team’s recent form, has instilled a sense of belief within the club.
“Well, that tells you, with our long history, how difficult it is because we haven’t won it yet, and that’s the opportunity,” Arteta explained when questioned about Arsenal’s past shortcomings in the competition. “That’s how I see it. Pressure is the opportunity that drives that energy and that willingness to be better every single day. Every decision has to be with that standard and with those expectations, so let’s give our best chance to try to do it.”
Arteta acknowledged the inherent challenges of the Champions League, drawing parallels with other European giants. “The big clubs [who have won it], they try seven, eight, nine times, and they maybe win two,” he noted. “So, in this competition, it’s going to be one that you fail much more than you succeed. That’s the nature of it. That’s the history of our club, and that’s what we want to change.”
Arsenal’s Champions League campaign kicks off on Tuesday with an away fixture against Athletic Bilbao, marking their first competitive encounter with the Spanish side. Despite a challenging start with several key players sidelined – including Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Ben White, and Gabriel Jesus – Arteta remains confident in his squad’s ability to deliver.
The Gunners have demonstrated consistent performance in the group stages of the Champions League in recent years, accumulating 32 points from their last 14 matches (W10 D2 L2), second only to Real Madrid’s 33 points. This track record underscores their ability to compete at the highest level.
Athletic Bilbao, returning to the Champions League after a nine-year absence, are under the guidance of Ernesto Valverde, who previously managed the club during two successful spells. Valverde is acutely aware of Arsenal’s threat and considers them genuine contenders for the title. “Arsenal are totally focused on this match,” he stated. “They are one of the favourites to win the Champions League thanks to their technical and tactical ability, and the winning spirit that Arteta has instilled in them.”
Valverde emphasized the importance of a cautious approach, acknowledging Arsenal’s quality. “It’s the start of the Champions League, and we’re playing against a high-level opponent, the kind that Bilbao likes, but we have to be very careful and take advantage of opportunities. Arsenal won’t be forgiving.”
The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter, setting the stage for what Arsenal hopes will be a historic Champions League campaign. Arteta’s unwavering belief, coupled with the team’s talent and determination, suggests that this year could indeed be the year Arsenal finally ‘change history’ and claim their first Champions League title.
