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Arsenal defender William Saliba has expressed his confidence in the Gunners’ ability to win the UEFA Champions League this season, as they prepare to face PSV Eindhoven in the second leg of their round of 16 tie on Wednesday night.
Mikel Arteta’s side carries a commanding 7-1 aggregate lead into the clash at the Emirates Stadium, having made history by becoming the first team in the competition’s knockout stages to score seven goals away from home. Despite their significant advantage, Saliba insists Arsenal will not take their foot off the gas.
“We all want to play tomorrow because it’s a Champions League game,” Saliba said in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference. “We play at home and we want to win. It can give us a lot of confidence and secure our qualification. Tomorrow is an important game for us.
“I think we don’t have to think about the last game. Tomorrow is important as well, and we have to win, even if we beat them 7-1 last week. The game is at home, and if we win, it will give us good confidence for the next matches.”
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Saliba also shared his ambitions of lifting the prestigious European trophy, a dream he has had since childhood.
“Of course, everyone wants to win the Champions League because it’s a competition you grow up watching,” he said. “We know how difficult it is to win, but we’ll give everything, and anything can happen.
William Saliba (Image credit: Getty Images)“If we don’t believe or dream about winning the Champions League, then there is no point in playing. We are here, and we believe we can do it.”
With the new format making qualification for the knockout rounds more challenging, Saliba emphasised the importance of taking things one step at a time.
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“This season, qualifying wasn’t easy, but we won the first game. Tomorrow, we have the chance to win again and move forward. There are only four games before the final—we can do it. We all believe in ourselves.”
The Frenchman also reflected on his passion for Arsenal and his emotional goal celebrations, highlighting his deep connection with the club.
“I was a big fan when I was young,” he admitted. “When I celebrate a goal, it’s because football games are so hard to win.
“When my teammates score, I’m so happy. I always have this passion, especially because I love this club. Playing here and experiencing these moments is a dream for me. I enjoy every day and every game.”
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