PSG coach Luis Enrique directly outlines how the team will face Arsenal in the Champions League final

Luis Enrique delivered significant remarks regarding Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, and PSG's goal of retaining their European crown before the 2025/26 Champions League final, scheduled for 23:00 on May 30.

Ahead of the major clash in Budapest at 23:00 on May 30, the Spanish tactician gave an interview to UEFA. Speaking about the playing styles of PSG and Arsenal, Luis Enrique stated: “I don't think the two teams are complete opposites. Arsenal is built in the exact image and personality of Mikel Arteta. He clearly started with Pep Guardiola's philosophy of possession-based football. Arsenal is extremely competitive, which reflects Mikel's character.”

The PSG coach especially praised Arsenal's defensive abilities: “They are the best defensive team in Europe and have maintained that for years. Arsenal possesses an explosive combination of solid defense and scoring many goals. They don't rely on any specific player. They score a lot from set pieces and have a perfect balance between attack and defense.”

Nevertheless, the Spanish manager believes that PSG shares many similarities with Arsenal: “We resemble Arsenal in always trying to maximize our strengths. To do that, we need to control possession and express ourselves. We can also score from set pieces, but what we love is keeping the ball, combining, and finding ways to break through the opponent's defense.”

He also rated PSG, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich as the three strongest teams in Europe this season: “I think we are talking about two great teams, and along with Bayern Munich, they are the three strongest in Europe.”

Beyond tactical aspects, Luis Enrique shared his emotions about last season's Champions League victory with PSG: “When you win trophies like we did last season, in a context where no one thought we could, that feeling is truly one of joy and pride. We want to keep making history because we believe there is still much to achieve.”

Speaking about the pressure ahead of this year's final, Luis Enrique said: “I think last season the pressure was greater because everyone said, 'This time we must not fail.' Now, the pressure comes from us believing we deserve to win.”

Additionally, the former Barcelona coach shared noteworthy thoughts about Mikel Arteta, who was his teammate at Barcelona: “What I remember about Mikel is that he was very young when I was already at Barcelona. I have wonderful memories of him. An excellent guy, hardworking, with character and quality. Every time I meet Mikel Arteta, he brings positive energy into my life.”

The 2025/26 Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal is highly anticipated as a top-tier showdown between two of the most attractive teams in European football today. With PSG as the reigning champions and Arsenal having just won the Premier League, the tactical battle between Luis Enrique and Mikel Arteta promises to be extremely tense and full of emotion.