PSG Coach Highlights Arsenal as Top Team Without Possession

On May 30, Paris Saint-Germain will face Arsenal in the Champions League final in Budapest, a rematch of last season’s semi-finals where PSG prevailed 3-1 on aggregate. Ahead of the match, PSG coach Luis Enrique singled out Arsenal as the world’s best team when out of possession.

Enrique expressed respect for Arsenal’s tactical approach under Mikel Arteta, noting, "Without the ball, they are the best team in the world, and with it they can score a lot. It is a wonderful combination for them." He acknowledged Arsenal’s Premier League triumph this season and praised their overall quality and mentality.

During a press conference, Enrique remarked on Arsenal’s progress, stating, "We have already played against this Arsenal side, so we know what they are capable of." He described Arteta as a leader who has instilled a winning mentality in the squad and highlighted the team’s improvement over several seasons.

Despite PSG’s historical success, including last year’s Champions League title and multiple domestic trophies, Enrique emphasized the significance of the upcoming final. "It makes sense that we are facing them in the final," he said, adding that the match promises to be "a truly great final."

Enrique also commented on the challenge of competing at the highest European level, saying, "The most important thing for us is to focus more on ourselves and less on the opposition. We are talking about the best club competition in Europe, so yes, there’s an element of adaptation - because the standard is very high."

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recently reflected on the differences between domestic leagues and European competition. He praised the quality of PSG’s semi-final against Bayern Munich, calling it "probably the best game I have ever witnessed on the quality of two teams." Arteta noted the physical demands and freshness required at this level, describing the leagues as "different worlds" that affect performance.

"To deliver those moments of quality, you have to be very fresh," Arteta said. "The difference in the leagues and the way they compete is night and day." He emphasized the need to consider context when comparing performances across competitions.