Arteta emotional as he concedes “it’s probably difficult with words” to explain what Arsenal are missing | OneFootball

Arsenal bowed out of Europe after a 3-1 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, despite a late push that nearly brought them back into the tie. Mikel Arteta, who was visibly emotional when speaking to the press, expressed what it would take for his players to win a major trophy.

“It’s probably difficult with words,” explained the head coach.

“On the work that we put, enthusiasm and belief. Whatever happens, you come here and you do what we’ve done. It’s the first time 95% of these guys have played in a semi-final.”

“To do what they’ve done in Paris today is the same; it doesn’t matter. We are out, and if we want to improve and win it, we can never look back at ‘If, if!’. But if they did, what is it taking us to reach that and unlock that door to get to a final and win it? That’s the way, in my opinion, that we have to think.”

Arteta expressed pride in his squad’s efforts but acknowledged that missed chances ultimately proved decisive in the outcome.

“The result should have been very different. So I can take a lot of positives, I am very proud of the team. You must arrive at the competition at this stage with full support and attitude.”

“I have so much pride, but at the same time, I’m so upset that we didn’t manage to do it. A bunch of things that are on us, probably not together. And other things that the opponent at this level has done, basically what they were like, but now they might not do it again.”

Arteta singled out PSG centre-back Marquinhos as an example of a player who has faced hardship throughout his career, drawing a parallel with the challenges his own Arsenal side is currently experiencing.

“Marquinhos, 11 times he’s tried with this club,” said the 43-year-old.

“As a winner. 11 times with the captain. So that’s the truth. And let’s see if they win it. So, 11 times they have to go down and up. So look in the mirror at somebody who did that trajectory.”

“And then you want to be in this sport, and you want to be competing and be very close to the trophy, you better be able to deal with that.”