Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique said he was “not surprised” Arsenal won the Europa League. Premier League Under the leadership of Mikel Arteta before the two teams met in the Champions League final.
The Spanish coaches will go head-to-head in the biggest club match in European football as Paris Saint-Germain attempts to retain the title they won last season.
Arsenal reach the final with great confidence after claiming a first league title in 22 years, with Enrique praising the work Arteta has done in north London.
Enrique praises Arteta’s influence at Arsenal
Speaking ahead of the final, Enrique said Arsenal fully deserved their domestic success after beating rival Manchester City.
“I’m not surprised, especially what he did this year,” Enrique said.
“They deserve to win the Premier League, the best team in the league. It wasn’t easy with Manchester City chasing them.
“Arteta has spent six and a half years there and knows them well and from the outside.”
Paris Saint-Germain is focused on retaining the Champions League title
Enrique was also asked about Arteta’s comments suggesting that Arsenal believes they can win the Champions League.
The Paris Saint-Germain coach insisted his side did not need any extra motivation ahead of the final.
Enrique added: “I don’t think there is any better motivation than winning the Champions League.”
He added, “But we will see. We will see who wins. We will see who wins. We will see.”
He added: “We won the league and I will focus on what is best for our team.”
Paris Saint-Germain aims to become the first French team to successfully defend the Champions League title in the modern era.
Paris Saint-Germain aims to repeat the semi-final success
The two teams met in the semi-finals of the 2024-25 competition, when Paris Saint-Germain cruised to a 3-1 aggregate victory on their way to lifting the trophy.
Enrique acknowledged the familiarity between the two teams, but tense finals are often unpredictable occasions.
“He is an opponent we know well,” he added.
“We played against them last year and the year before that.
“I think we can adjust our performance up front and at the back as well and that’s what we’re doing.
“In terms of managing the final, it’s different, it’s about making the most of it, but for the Champions League final, you never know when you’ll be back.”
