Arsene Wenger says Arsenal know how to cope with the pressure ahead of the FA Cup final.
The Gunners have overcome five teams on their way to Wembley, scoring 11 goals, including two in an impressive quarter-final win at Old Trafford.
Saturday’s final against Aston Villa gives Arsenal the opportunity to lift a record 12th FA Cup, but Wenger insists his side will concentrate on their own performance rather than statistics.
"It’s not because the environment is different that you should completely change your approach or your game, it’s still important to express your strengths on the day"
Arsene Wenger
“The best way to keep things calm is to focus on your game and keep your priorities right,” he said. “It’s not because the environment is different that you should completely change your approach or your game, it’s still important to express your strengths on the day.
“The championship is a slow process but this is one game, it's ‘show me that you can do it’. That intensity is very strong and you have to deal with that kind of stress, but this squad of players is exceptional and we have an opportunity to show that.
“I’m convinced that the players just want to go out and win the game. They don’t make statistics, they produce performances and they just want to win things. On the day, that’s what you want them to focus on, just on the performance of the day."
More than 25,000 Arsenal fans are expected at Wembley on Saturday, and Wenger had a final message for the club’s loyal supporters.
“No matter what happens, stay behind the team,” he said. “They did that last year and we were rewarded. We will give absolutely everything to give them that happiness at the end of the game.”
You can read the full interview in the FA Cup final matchday programme.
Arsene Wenger
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