Mikel Merino reflects on Arsenal’s exit from the Champions League semi-finals, expressing determination to grow stronger for next season.
Paris Saint-Germain secured their spot in the final against Inter after a 2-1 win in the second leg, leaving Arsenal to wrap up another trophyless campaign. The team, which reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009, faced a setback last year when Bayern Munich knocked them out in the quarter-finals.
“It’s disappointing, always aiming for major trophies given the club’s mindset,” Merino noted. “This season has been a significant learning experience for us since we have a young squad with limited exposure to these high-pressure situations. Competing at the Bernabeu against PSG has been instrumental for our growth.”
When questioned about the lessons learned from setbacks, he acknowledged, “That’s absolutely true. Sometimes you have to endure losses to later find victory. Those tough moments are invaluable. We’ll carry those lessons into future matches against elite teams.”
Although he’s currently filling in as a striker due to injuries, Merino mentioned that Mikel Arteta indicated that Kai Havertz could return from a hamstring issue by season’s end. Arsenal aims to secure seven points in their remaining three Premier League matches, beginning with a clash against Liverpool on Sunday.
“No one believes this season is finished,” he stated. “We recognize we have significant challenges ahead. We need to show our hunger and finish the season strong, so we can enter the summer ready to bounce back.”
