The key facts

  • Arsenal lost the 2026 Champions League final to PSG in Budapest: after conceding a second-half goal, the match went to a penalty shootout
  • Arteta: 'I tried, but I couldn't' forget that defeat — 'because of penalties we are not champions of Europe'
  • Arsenal have won 10 of 11 matches this season; Bayern are without Olise (suspension) and Musiala (injury), while Kompany, Neuer and Kimmich are doubtful

Arteta: the final defeat won't let go

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta admitted that he still has not been able to come to terms with the team's defeat in last year's Champions League final, where the Londoners lost to Paris Saint-Germain. According to him, he tried to forget that hurt over the summer, but without success. 'I tried, but I couldn't. That's the reality. I tried for many weeks in the summer, but even today, when I see the ball, when I hear the music (the Champions League anthem), when I see those images, I want it so badly,' AFP quoted Arteta as saying.

'Because of penalties we are not champions of Europe'

In the final, held in May in Budapest, Arsenal took the lead but conceded in the second half and then lost on penalties. 'We know we have to go step by step, but I think it has ignited the team and every one of us, because we know: because of one penalty we are not champions of Europe. So let's try again,' the coach added.

Match with Bayern and the opponent's problems

On Wednesday Arsenal will play away against Bayern — one of the tournament favourites alongside the Londoners themselves. The reigning English champions began the season with 10 wins in 11 matches in all competitions. Bayern approach the game with squad problems: Michael Olise is suspended, Jamal Musiala is injured, and the participation of head coach Vincent Kompany, who is ill, captain Manuel Neuer and midfielder Joshua Kimmich is in doubt. Arteta expressed hope to see Kompany in the opposing team's technical area and said his team wants to play against the best version of Bayern in order to test themselves and grow in Europe's premier club competition.

Arteta on Kane: 'on another level'

Separately, Arteta assessed the threat posed by Bayern striker Harry Kane, who spent ten years as a Tottenham player competing against Arsenal. Kane is in excellent form and is among the favourites in the race for the Ballon d'Or, which will be awarded at the end of October in London. 'Kane is something else, on another level,' said Arteta, adding that he believes in his defence's ability to deal with the England captain: 'They have been tested a lot in the Premier League, and they have already passed the test in the Champions League.'