Martin Zubimendi believes Arsenal have what it takes to defeat Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final this weekend.
Martin Zubimendi has told Mikel Arteta that he’s desperate return to the Arsenal starting lineup in Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final showdown with PSG.
The 27-year-old midfielder, whom the Gunners signed from Real Sociedad for £60m last summer, appears to have fallen out of favour ahead of the meeting with Paris Saint-Germain at the Puskas Arena, as they each look to etch their names into the history books.
The Gunners have the chance to become champions of Europe for the first time; meanwhile, Luis Enrique’s side could become just the second team to defend the title since the competition’s relaunch in 1992. Zubimendi, who has not played as much as he would’ve liked recently, hopes to take centre stage in Budapest this weekend.
The Spain international has only started one of Arsenal’s last four games in the Premier League. He was also given just a quarter of an hour of action in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final earlier this month.
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Speaking to Spanish outlet Marca, Zubimendi said: “I always see myself playing, but what actually happens is another matter.
“Lately, I haven’t been getting much playing time, but I’m ready to go out and play. My overall performance in the Premier League has been very good, and I’m not going to dwell on these benchings.”
On whether he’ll start against PSG, Zubimendi said: “I don’t know, ask the manager [laughs]. It’s been a very demanding, long season, in which I’ve made efforts I haven’t made in my career, and that’s surely taken its toll. But I think I’m back to normal now.”
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On how he’s gearing up for the Champions League final, the Arsenal midfielder said: “With enthusiasm and confidence. Winning the Premier League gives us an extra boost as we approach this wonderful final.
“I’ve seen that Arsenal had been struggling for many years without winning, and we’ve finally broken that streak,” added Zubimendi, who then revealed how the Gunners plan on overcoming Enrique’s side.
“Confidence, composure, and normalising the situation,” he said. “We have our strengths, and we’re going to try to use them. Once you’re on the field, it doesn’t matter who the favourite is.”
When quizzed on Arteta’s role in leading Arsenal back to winning ways, Zubimendi said: “Sometimes it seems like you have to win a title to gain credibility, but I think Mikel was already up there, among the top coaches.
“It’s true that winning takes you even further and reflects the entire process Mikel has undertaken at the club,” added the playmaker. “I think it’s a very complete team, but where it really stands out is defensively, obviously.
“The number of clean sheets we have is incredible, and that’s what makes it stand out the most…”
