Mourinho said Arsenal have been doubted too much this season, but he does not agree with those who believe they are not ready for the biggest stage. According to him, people have questioned Arsenal’s experience, mentality, and ability to handle pressure, yet he believes Mikel Arteta’s side have a real chance against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final.
For Mourinho, PSG may have the bigger individual names and the kind of world-class players who can change a match in a few seconds, but football is not always decided by talent alone. In a final, structure, discipline, belief, and tactical control can become even more important than reputation. That is where he believes Arsenal can make the game very difficult for PSG.
He also praised Mikel Arteta strongly, pointing to the Arsenal manager’s tactical strength, emotional intelligence, and ability to prepare his players for demanding moments. Mourinho believes Arteta gives Arsenal an edge because he has built a team that can suffer together, press together, defend together, and still attack with confidence when the opportunity comes.
Arsenal may be seen as underdogs by many people, especially because PSG have so much attacking quality, but Mourinho made it clear that finals are not won on paper. They are won by the team that manages pressure better, stays disciplined longer, and takes the big moments when they arrive. That is why he feels Arsenal should not be written off.
According to Mourinho, Arsenal have the tools to hurt PSG. They can frustrate them, outwork them, and force them into uncomfortable spaces if they remain focused. The biggest challenge will be concentration, because one mistake against a team like PSG can change everything. But if Arsenal stay compact, brave, and sharp in transition, they can turn the final into their own story.
For Arsenal fans, this is more than just another match. It is the kind of night they have waited years to experience — one game away from European history, one performance away from silencing every doubt, and one victory away from changing how this team is remembered. Mourinho believes the moment is huge, but he also believes Arsenal are capable of standing inside it.
And if Arteta manages to guide Arsenal past PSG, Mourinho believes the conversation around the club will change completely. The doubts, the criticism, and the questions about whether this Arsenal side is truly ready will all have to give way to respect. Because winning this final would not just be a trophy; it would be a statement that Arsenal have finally arrived at the very highest level.