Arsenal go into their high-stakes Champions League semi-final against Atlético Madrid riding on strong momentum, following a commanding 3–0 Premier League win over Fulham that further strengthened their title ambitions.
The Gunners also come into this tie with the first leg ending 1–1, keeping everything finely balanced as they prepare for a decisive second leg. Softfootball understands that belief remains high within the squad, with players fully aware that this stage of the season could define their legacy.
Speaking ahead of the match as reported by reuters via their youtube channel, Victor Gyökeres reflected at length on Arsenal’s recent performances and his involvement in the team’s rhythm, explaining in detail:
Yeah, it felt really good overall. I think I was heavily involved throughout the game, getting a lot of touches on the ball and constantly being part of the build-up and attacking phases. When you are involved like that, it naturally helps your performance because you feel connected to the flow of the game. I also think we played some very good football as a team, moving the ball well, creating chances, and controlling large parts of the match, so in general it was a strong and positive performance from us.
He also expanded on reaching a personal milestone this season, putting it into context with team objectives still ahead:
Of course, as a striker, you always want to score goals and contribute in that way, so reaching 20 goals in a season is something that feels good and shows consistency. But at the same time, I don’t see it as the final target because the most important games are still ahead of us this month. Everything now is about what we do in these remaining matches, how we perform under pressure, and how we handle these decisive moments as a team. We have to stay focused, keep doing our job properly, and then we will see where it takes us at the end of the season.
On the challenge of adapting to a new league, environment, and expectations, he went deeper into his experience:
I think the biggest challenge for me has been adapting to a completely new country, a new footballing environment, and a different way of living and working every day. When you move clubs, everything changes at once your routine, your teammates, the training intensity, even the pressure from outside and you have to adjust quickly. It’s not always easy, but I feel like I’ve managed to settle into it step by step, learning what is required and making sure I’m always ready for the demands that come with playing at this level.
When asked about criticism, pressure, and expectations, he responded with a calm and grounded mindset:
“I think when you score goals and the team wins, it always brings satisfaction and a really good feeling. I don’t know if it gives me extra motivation from outside criticism or anything like that, but I just try to stay focused on my job. Football always comes with opinions, pressure, and expectations, but for me it’s about staying consistent, working hard every day, and trying to perform when it matters most for the team.”
On squad rotation, changing partnerships, and adapting to different teammates, he kept things very team-focused:
i don’t really think too much about who is playing alongside me or how often the lineup changes. My focus is always on doing my best when I’m on the pitch. If you have a good understanding with your teammates and you build that connection over time, it doesn’t matter who is playing because the principles remain the same. You just try to adapt, communicate well, and make sure you contribute to the team in whatever way is needed.
Looking at Arsenal’s bigger ambitions, he stressed the importance of mentality in this final phase:
I think we are in this position right now for a reason. We have worked very hard throughout the season, we have shown consistency, and we have put ourselves in a strong position across different competitions. But now everything comes down to these final matches. It’s the moment where details matter the most, where mentality becomes crucial, and where you have to show your best level if you want to achieve something special as a team.
On the emotional possibility of making history with Arsenal, he added:
It would obviously be an incredible feeling if we are able to achieve something like that together as a group. These are the moments every player wants to be part of big games, important stakes, and the chance to do something that hasn’t been done before at the club. We know exactly what is at stake, and that’s why there is a real sense of excitement and focus in the dressing room as we prepare for these matches.
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With Arsenal balancing domestic pressure and European ambition, Softfootball understands that the squad is fully locked in mentally for the challenge ahead. The atmosphere around the team remains focused and determined, as they look to turn strong performances into silverware in a defining stretch of their season.
