Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta, has called on his players to “own the moment” ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final clash against holders Paris Saint-Germain.
The trophy is a missing piece in the Gunners trophy cabinet and they were beaten in their only other final appearance, against Barcelona 20 years ago.
Arteta said he was convinced his team could make history by beating Luis Enrique’s side in Budapest.
“It’s the opportunity to own the moment, it’s the second time in our history we are here,” the Spanish coach told reporters on Friday.
“We have the opportunity tomorrow to write a new chapter in the history of this football club.
“We have to play tomorrow with such a clarity, a lot of courage and a relentless desire to win. If we have those three aspects, I’m sure we are going to be close to winning.”
Arteta’s side ended a 22-year wait to lift the Premier League by beating out Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
The coach said he was not worried his team would allow that success to be enough in itself, and instead it had to be a springboard for more silverware, starting at the Puskas Arena.
“(Our) ambition is bigger. We have one (trophy) and we want the second one,” explained Arteta.
“That’s all we have been talking about — that has to be a platform to reach bigger destinations and to aim for more, and the team is capable… I want the players to be so confident that we’re gonna go and do it.”
Arsenal’s defensive strength in the competition this season has being a great help for them to reach the final unbeaten, conceding just six goals in that process.
Arteta said he had no doubts about his team deserving their place on the biggest stage, but had to prove on Saturday they deserve to be crowned champions.
“We are here because we’ve earned the right to be here, in the manner that we have performed in this competition — tomorrow on that field we have to earn the right to win the trophy,” said the coach.
Arteta said Jurrien Timber was fit to start the final after a groin problem which has sidelined the right-back since mid-March, and Ben White was the only unavailable member of his squad.