In a recent interview with TNT Sports, Arsenal’s captain Kim Little expressed her enthusiasm and the significance of the upcoming UEFA Women’s Champions League final, where her team will face off against reigning champions Barcelona. Scheduled for Saturday, the much-anticipated match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+. For Little, this final is not just another game; it represents the “pinnacle” of her playing career. Reflecting on the historical achievements of Arsenal, she noted that her club previously won the Champions League in 2007, just before her signing, marking a crucial moment in the evolution of women’s football.
As Arsenal prepares for their first Champions League final in 16 years, having triumphed over Lyon with a 5-3 aggregate victory in the semi-finals, Little allowed herself to become emotional when recalling the hard-fought win. “I got a little bit emotional,” she confessed, revealing that she shed tears right after the whistle blew. The moment was a significant milestone not just for the club but also for her personally. “There was probably 15 or 20 minutes left in the match… and I was thinking, ‘If we win, this is quite a big thing for the club,'” she stated. This emotional response highlights the many sacrifices and hard work athletes endure, and how dreams like reaching a final can create overwhelming joy.
Arsenal’s journey back to the final can be attributed in part to their new head coach, Renee Slegers, who took over from Jonas Eidevall in October 2024. Initially appointed as an interim coach, Slegers has now secured her role permanently after steering the team to an impressive streak of 13 unbeaten games. Under her management, Arsenal has scored an astonishing 58 goals, making them the most prolific scoring team in the league this season. Little remarked on how Slegers has infused a “bit more freedom” into the team’s play, crediting her distinct managerial style for altering the team’s dynamics and promoting a more fluid attacking structure.
Little elaborated on the stylistic shift, stating, “We may have become a bit rigid under Jonas… maybe a little bit more freedom came into it but not having as many words said.” This more concise communication has allowed players to express themselves with greater fluidity, which is crucial in a high-stakes game like the Champions League final. The 34-year-old player acknowledged her intent to maintain her leadership role without feeling overwhelmed, which speaks volumes about her maturity as both a player and a captain.
As Arsenal gears up to face Barcelona, they are confronted with one of the toughest challenges in European football; Barcelona recently celebrated their tenth Liga F title and pursue their ambition to become only the second club after Lyon to win the Champions League three times in a row. Little realizes the magnitude of the opponent they will confront, stating, “Barcelona are one of, if not the most settled teams in the Champions League,” emphasizing their cohesive style of play and technical prowess. Laying out her perspective on the encounter, she noted that the key to success would be mastering one-on-one battles and capitalizing on individual strengths, as well as working seamlessly together as a team.
The Arsenal captain also expressed her eagerness to embrace the upcoming challenge, stating, “It’s why you love being a footballer,” underlining the thrill of competing against top-tier players. With respect to lifting the trophy, Little admitted that while the joyous thought has crossed her mind, she remains focused solely on the task at hand. “Me and Leah [Williamson] will step up and lift it… but we’ll leave that until Saturday.” This meticulous mindset reflects her dedication and professionalism as she looks forward to what could be a defining moment in her illustrious career.
As the final draws near, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation for both Arsenal and their star player Kim Little, who holds the dream of lifting the Champions League trophy close to her heart. With every passing moment, the significance of this match grows, capturing not just the glory of winning, but also the strides made in women’s football thanks to the relentless efforts of teams like Arsenal and their dedicated athletes.