William Saliba has made a bold statement about Arsenal’s ambitions this season, claiming the club are capable of winning all four trophies as they continue to compete on every front.
The defender believes the Gunners have reached a stage where challenging for the English Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup is realistic, not just hopeful.
Quadruple talk
Arsenal are currently top of both the Premier League and the Champions League tables, and have already booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals after beating Crystal Palace on penalties at the Emirates Stadium.
That victory set up a huge two-leg semi-final with Chelsea in January and February.
Saliba insists the squad feel they are close to finally converting progress into silverware.
When asked directly if he has thought about Arsenal winning multiple trophies this season, Saliba didn’t shy away from the question.
“Yes, of course, because we know that in every competition we play, we know we can win it,” he said in a recent interview on Sky Sports.
“We have been close in the Premier League in the past three seasons, and last season we were in the semi-finals of the Champions League and the Carabao Cup, so we know that we can win every competition.”
For Saliba, belief is one thing, but delivering when it matters is what will define this squad.
He was clear that Arsenal need to show their progress by lifting trophies, not just competing for them, adding: “We have to show that on the pitch and we have to start winning trophies now.
“We are in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup so there are three games left for us, and we have to do the job in January against Chelsea.
“It will be a big game, a big derby, so we have to keep going. We know that we are close and we have to learn the lessons from last season.”
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‘We count our trophies’
Saliba also pointed out that winning any trophy counts, especially for a group still waiting to take that final step.
“At the end of your career we count our trophies, and the Carabao Cup is one of them – and now we are in the semi-final and of course we want to win this competition, like every competition that we play,” he said.
Despite the confidence, the French international says Arsenal are keeping their feet on the ground.
He knows how quickly the season can change and how important it is to avoid getting carried away, adding: “The mood is good but we know that we are still in December and things can happen quickly in football.
“We have to stay focused and keep believing in ourselves and keep working because what matters is at the end when we are holding the trophies and not before.”
Saliba added that squad depth will be vital and hopes Arsenal’s injured players return soon to boost the campaign.
“If we have a lot of games, it means we are doing a good job, so we have to keep going, and hopefully the players that are injured will be back in January to help us.”
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