William Saliba Shakes Off Arsenal Final Loss as France Teammates Tease Defender

**William Saliba** told reporters on 5 July 2026 that the Arsenal Champions League final loss is already a blur, even as France squad‑mates tease the 24‑year‑old centre‑back during their pre‑Euro 2028 camp.

During a light‑hearted interview in Paris, Saliba admitted the 1‑0 defeat to Manchester City on 1 June 2026 still lingers for some teammates, but for him it’s "already forgotten." The French defender was surrounded by a group of midfielders and forwards who kept ribbing him about the missed chance to lift the trophy. He laughed, shrugged, and said the focus now is on the upcoming Euro qualifiers.

The banter isn’t just locker‑room fun; it highlights Saliba’s growing stature in the national set‑up. France manager Didier Deschamps has often praised his composure and aerial ability, and the jokes underline the trust his peers have in him. When a player of Kylian Mbappé’s calibre joins in, it signals that Saliba is seen as a core part of the defensive line‑up for the next two years.

Arsenal’s campaign ended on 1 June 2026 with a narrow loss, leaving the club without a European trophy for the first time since 2019. Saliba’s quick mental shift suggests he’s ready to pour his energy back into the Premier League. Manager Mikel Arteta, who spoke to the press on 4 July 2026, noted that Saliba’s attitude will help the Gunners bounce back in the 2026‑27 season.

France will face the Netherlands on 12 September 2026 in a Euro 2028 qualifier. Saliba is expected to start alongside Jules Koundé, forming a partnership that could become one of the most solid in Europe. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s next fixture is the Premier League opener against Liverpool on 12 August 2026, where Saliba will look to anchor the back line and silence any lingering doubts from the Champions League final.

Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembélé each made a quick jab about Saliba’s “champion’s medal” that never arrived. Griezmann joked, "Next time you’ll bring the trophy home, William." The banter was captured on French TV, showing the camaraderie that often fuels a squad’s morale ahead of big matches.

Saliba’s comment reflects a professional’s ability to compartmentalise. Forgetting a loss that cost a club millions in prize money and prestige shows mental resilience. It also hints at his readiness to focus on the next challenge, whether that’s a clean sheet against Liverpool or a crucial defensive stand for France.

Supporters of both Arsenal and Les Bleus will watch closely. If Saliba continues to brush off past disappointments, his performances could elevate both teams. The next few months will test his consistency, but the early signs point to a player who refuses to dwell on setbacks.

The French defender’s candidness, paired with the light‑hearted teasing, paints a picture of a young star comfortable in his skin. As the summer window closes and the new season looms, all eyes will be on Saliba to see if he can turn the “already forgotten” attitude into tangible success on the pitch.