Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has called for unity within the squad as they prepare for a make-or-break Champions League semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
The Gunners face an uphill battle at the Parc des Princes, needing to overturn a 1-0 first-leg defeat to reach only their second-ever Champions League final.
Ousmane Dembele’s goal in north London gave PSG the edge, adding Arsenal to a growing list of English clubs the French side has tested this season, having already knocked out Liverpool and Aston Villa after beating Manchester City in the group stages.
Arsenal’s recent form has done little to ease nerves. Mikel Arteta’s men slumped to a 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, marking a second consecutive loss that has jeopardised both their domestic and European campaigns. The back-to-back defeats have stirred frustration within the squad — something Arteta wants to turn into motivation.
“What we have created now is a lot of rage, anger, frustration and a bad feeling in the tummy,” Arteta said. “So make sure we use that for Wednesday to have a massive performance in Paris, win the game and be in the final.”
Odegaard echoed the manager’s sentiments, insisting the players must rally around each other ahead of their crucial European showdown.
“We’re disappointed now, but we have to move on and be strong and stick together and prepare for a massive game,” said the Norwegian midfielder. “It’s a massive game. That’s the good thing. When you’re disappointed now and you’re angry and frustrated, you can use all those emotions into Wednesday.
“We know what we’re playing for. We have to stick together and create energy and be ready.”
Arteta’s selection choices against Bournemouth raised eyebrows, as he fielded nearly a full-strength squad just days before the decisive PSG tie. Only Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino were rested, with Timber’s involvement in Paris still in doubt pending a fitness test.
While Arsenal remain second in the Premier League and need two more wins to secure next season’s Champions League qualification, the current campaign is their primary focus. After falling short to Manchester City in the title race for two straight seasons and enduring another trophyless year since the 2020 FA Cup, Arsenal are eager to deliver silverware.
Their Champions League run this season included a statement 5-1 aggregate victory over holders Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. However, their European history has often ended in disappointment. The Gunners have not lifted a continental trophy since winning the 1994 Cup Winners’ Cup under George Graham — a campaign in which they defeated a PSG side featuring George Weah and David Ginola in the semi-finals.
Arsène Wenger’s era, while decorated domestically, saw painful European final defeats to Galatasaray (2000), Barcelona (2006), and Chelsea (2019 under Unai Emery).
Now, facing a familiar foe in PSG and with history against them, Arsenal aim to defy the odds once more. Arteta and Odegaard believe their recent setbacks may yet serve as fuel for one of the club’s most memorable nights.
