Mariona Caldentey, 30, has won four Champions Leagues, six Spanish titles, and a World Cup, but her focus is on Arsenal's 2026-27 season. The Gunners chase a first WSL title since 2019, plus two domestic cups and another Champions League. "We have to do it - now it has to be our time," she says.

Last season Arsenal finished second in the WSL and lost their Champions League defence to an 87th-minute Lyon winner. Manager Slegers has added seven new players, including Ona Batlle and Georgia Stanway. Caldentey cites inconsistency as last year's downfall: "We have shown amazing moments... and others where we haven't been good enough. That happened too many times."

With Alexia Putellas joining London City Lionesses, Caldentey acknowledges the WSL is tougher: "There are never any easy games." She has won WSL Player of the Season twice, came second in the 2024-25 Ballon d'Or, and only Alessia Russo has more goals and assists for Arsenal in that span.

Her role has shifted from forward to midfielder. "You have to adapt to what the team needs... I do things better now than a year ago." Her manager demands trophies; Caldentey is steeling herself to deliver.