Arsenal have won just one of their last six matches, allowing Manchester City to leapfrog them to the top of the table following a midweek victory over Burnley. The Gunners face Newcastle United on Saturday knowing that a win would return them to first place.
Saliba, speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast, was uncompromising in his assessment of what is required.
"We need to be calm, but to die on the pitch as well. It's now. We have to go. We need everyone — the fans, the team, the staff, everyone. We have to do it now. When the season is finished it is too late. We have to give everything and we have to die on the pitch."
The French centre-back admitted that recent defeats have been difficult to shake off personally. "When we play once a week it takes me two to three days to get better. I hate to lose, especially these types of games, because City are our rivals."
He also revealed that the pressure of competing for two trophies — Arsenal face Atlético Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals next week — has begun to intrude into his sleep. "When you're close to achieving your dreams, sometimes when you sleep, you think about that. We have the Champions League and the Premier League, so of course you cannot think about something else."
For Saliba, the weight of history adds to the urgency. He has finished second in each of his four seasons at the club. "We haven't won the Premier League since 2004. It's been a while. It means a lot to us and to me personally. If we change that this season, it will be a massive success for us and for me. I'm sure we will do that."
Arsenal are one point behind Manchester City with five games remaining.