Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has sent a clear warning to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ahead of the Champions League final, insisting his side's motivation to retain the trophy is even stronger than the Gunners' bid for a first title.
History in the Making
PSG are aiming to become only the second team in the modern era—after Real Madrid—to win the Champions League in consecutive seasons. Arsenal, meanwhile, are chasing their first-ever European crown. Speaking ahead of the showdown, Enrique downplayed the idea that Arsenal's hunger for a maiden victory gives them an edge.
“Yes, it is powerful, but more powerful is trying to win the second Champions League in a row,” Enrique said. “We have already gone down in history books as one of the best teams in the world and in Europe, and that is what we are looking for tomorrow. I don’t think there is any better motivation than winning the Champions League. The rest is just strategy, but we will see tomorrow and we will see who is better and who has won.”
Balanced Contest
Despite PSG's status as reigning champions—having thrashed Inter Milan in last year's final—Enrique insists the match is evenly poised. “We are talking about the final and a final is always different. Last year was exceptional and I think we dominated against Inter. But in the final tomorrow, I don’t think there is a favourite. The devil is in the details and it will be a very close call.”
Enrique expects a different challenge from Arsenal but dismissed the notion that it will be a clash between his attacking style and Arteta's defensive approach. “Arsenal are also a high-scoring team and we are also a team that defends well. We are looking at getting to the same destination. We have just taken two different routes.”
Arteta's Arsenal Praised
The PSG boss was full of praise for Arteta's work at Arsenal, who won the Premier League this season. “I am not surprised especially with what Arteta has done this year. They are absolutely worthy of winning the Premier League. They were the best team and the most consistent. Arteta has been there for six and a half years so he knows the team inside out.”
Fitness Boost
Enrique also delivered a major fitness boost, confirming both full-backs will be fit to start against Arsenal. “They are able to play tomorrow,” he added.
The final promises to be a thrilling encounter as two of Europe's finest sides battle for continental glory.
