Arsenal defender Gabriel has admitted that the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final will serve as additional motivation for the team ahead of their clash with Manchester City in the English Super Cup.
Premier League champions Arsenal will face FA Cup winners Manchester City on Sunday at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Last season’s Champions League final remains a bitter memory for Gabriel. Arsenal were beaten by PSG, while the Brazilian defender missed his penalty, which proved decisive in determining the fate of the trophy.
However, Gabriel believes that moment can serve as an additional source of strength as the team begins another battle for silverware.
“For me personally, losing the Champions League final is a motivation. Of course, we want to win every trophy, but we know that everything is a process. I am motivated to come back and win as many trophies as possible,” he said.
The Brazilian also highlighted the importance of the support he has received from the club and his teammates during his years in London.
“I have been part of this club for almost six years, and the fans, as well as everyone at the club, have done everything to put us in the best possible position to fight for trophies every year,” Gabriel stressed.
He added that the main source of motivation comes from within the squad and from every player’s desire to succeed.
“The motivation comes from within and from my teammates. I can see how much every player wants to win, and that gives you even more motivation to give everything,” he stated.
Regarding the objectives for the new season, the Arsenal defender made it clear that the team intends to compete for every trophy.
“Yes, as I said, this is motivation for us. We know the quality we have in the squad and we want to win again. We have five trophies to fight for and we will go for all of them,” Gabriel concluded.
Arsenal will be aiming to begin the season with the English Super Cup trophy, but they will face a Manchester City side that has undergone significant changes following Pep Guardiola’s departure and Enzo Maresca’s arrival at the helm.
