"We are very ready and confident we can do it," Arteta stated on 20/3 at a pre-match press conference at Wembley. "When you get to these crucial moments, when it is time to attack and win trophies, you have to seize them and bring them home. That is when you have to stand up and make a difference. Still being in 4 competitions at the end of march shows how much the team has improved."

The Spanish coach views this as a decisive moment, where the ultimate outcome is measured only by trophies. "We have to prove it on the pitch," he emphasized.

Head coach Mikel Arteta celebrates after Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Leverkusen in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 at Emirates Stadium, London, England on 17/3/2026. *Photo: Arsenal FC*

In over 6 years under Arteta, Arsenal has won one major trophy: the FA Cup 2020. This season, however, the "Gunners" still have opportunities across all 4 competitions. Besides the League Cup final, they lead Man City by 9 points in the Premier League, will face Sporting in the Champions League quarterfinals, and Southampton in the FA Cup quarterfinals.

Tomorrow's 22/3 final against Man City could be the start of Arsenal's quadruple ambition. However, Arteta was cautious when asked about this goal. "We are only focusing on one match, one trophy at a time. If we win on sunday, it will be a major boost in morale and confidence," he expressed.

Arteta and Pep Guardiola have known each other since their time at Barca's La Masia academy, when Arsenal's coach was just 15 years old. After retiring as a player, he worked as an assistant to Guardiola at Man City for three seasons, before moving to manage Arsenal in 2019. Since then, Arteta has transformed Arsenal into a force, regularly competing for the Premier League title against Man City.

Arteta stated that his relationship with Guardiola is now in a very different phase, as each manages a separate club, but their mutual respect remains intact. The 43-year-old coach also affirmed that the final is not a personal confrontation.

"This is not about beating Pep," Arteta emphasized. "I was fortunate to work with Pep for four years; that was a significant part of my journey in becoming the coach I am today. What he brought and inspired in me will never change."

Compared to Man City — a team that defeated Arsenal 3-0 in the 2018 League Cup final and built a foundation of success — Arteta acknowledged that the two clubs are at different stages, but Arsenal is working to close the gap.

Regarding pressure, the Spanish coach believes that Arsenal's long trophy drought makes them even more determined. He stated: "That creates a greater need, but also a strong motivation because we truly want to win."

Finally, the Spanish coach affirmed that no additional motivation is needed when entering a final at Wembley: "Everyone understands this is a special occasion. The challenge is to control all elements effectively and make the right decisions during the match."

By Hong Duy (via ESPN, Arsenal.com)