Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele says the French champions remain desperate for more European success despite winning their first UEFA Champions League title last season, insisting the squad is even more motivated ahead of Saturday’s final against Arsenal in Budapest.
The reigning champions will face Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side at the Puskas Arena as they attempt to become only the second club in the modern Champions League era to successfully defend the trophy. Arsenal, on the other hand, are chasing a first-ever European crown after falling short in their only previous final appearance in 2006.
Speaking during Friday’s pre-match media session, Dembele said PSG’s maiden Champions League triumph had only increased the team’s appetite for success.
“We’re enjoying every moment, we’re very focused,” the France international said.
“We have a young squad, incredible staff and incredible players who want to win trophies. We’re hungry to win every trophy, whether it’s the Champions League, the league, or the cup.”
The former Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund winger added that elite players must consistently compete for major honours.
“We’re competitors. If we want to be great players, we have to win this kind of trophy several times. We’re hungry and we hope everything goes well tomorrow.”
PSG captain Marquinhos echoed the same message, saying the experience of lifting the club’s first Champions League trophy last season had intensified the desire to repeat the feat.
“Once you win the Champions League, once you taste that title, once you taste that moment, you want so badly to relive moments like that again,” the Brazilian defender said.
“I still remember today the feeling and emotion in the dressing room after that final. As competitors, we always want to feel that emotion again.”
The defender revealed that supporters from across Europe were travelling long distances to back the team in Hungary, including members of his own family.
“My father, even, with friends, is on his way by car. You have people who came from far away to push us on,” he said.
PSG head into the final carrying the confidence of a side that dismantled Inter Milan 5-0 in last season’s final and successfully navigated another demanding European campaign. Their route to Budapest included victories over several top European clubs as Luis Enrique’s side established themselves among the continent’s elite.
Dembele also provided a fitness update after suffering a calf scare earlier this month, dismissing concerns that he could have missed the final.
“No, I wasn’t scared about missing the final. I stopped as soon as I felt the niggle. I had 10 to 15 days to get myself in shape,” he explained.
The French forward has been one of PSG’s standout performers over the last two seasons and remains among the favourites for major individual honours after winning the Ballon d’Or following the club’s European triumph last year.
Despite growing attention around personal accolades, Dembele insisted his focus remains firmly on team success.
“Winning that hasn’t really changed the way I am or the way I play. I do know, though, that I’ve had a lot more responsibility since I arrived at Paris Saint-Germain,” he said.
“Right now I’m trying to perform well on the pitch, whether it’s in the big matches or the smaller ones.”
PSG received another boost ahead of the showdown after confirming Dembele’s inclusion in the travelling squad for the final, alongside key defender Achraf Hakimi, who had also been battling fitness concerns.
Arsenal arrive in Budapest unbeaten throughout their Champions League campaign and boasting one of the competition’s strongest defensive records, setting up what many analysts believe could be one of the most balanced finals in recent years.
