Arteta has made his decision after Arsenal missed out on two trophies ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal match against Sporting Lisbon.
On 7 April 2026, Mikel Arteta, manager of Premier League leaders Arsenal, gave an interview ahead of the first leg of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Arsenal will visit Sporting Lisbon, second place in Portugal's top league, with the match scheduled for 02:00 GMT+7 tonight.
Arsenal recently suffered their first back-to-back defeats of the season, losing 0-2 to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, missing out on their first trophy before the international break. They then lost 1-2 to Southampton in the FA Cup quarterfinals, missing out on a second consecutive trophy after returning from the international break.
When asked if missing out on two trophies in a row would affect Arsenal's morale in chasing the remaining two trophies, Mikel Arteta responded, "We look at the bigger picture and how tough it is. We acknowledge what we've done so far, feel the pain and emotions, and use that to improve ourselves."
"So we clearly understand what happened and why. After reviewing both matches, we shouldn't have lost those games. But this is football, and we were punished for things related to our identity. That is what we must defend with all our strength because it’s the reason we’ve come this far."
"(Does the changed situation affect the importance of the game against Sporting?) I don't think it changes at all. Regardless, this is the Champions League quarterfinals."
"There is nothing bigger than this, and we have worked extremely hard all season to reach this point. We will play an opponent we know well, know their records and what they have done. Therefore, we are hungrier for victory than ever, very excited, and fully motivated for this game."