Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has warned his side are preparing for a 'difficult' Champions League final showdown against Arsenal. The French giants secured their place in the showpiece event for the second consecutive season after a tense 6-5 aggregate victory over Bayern Munich, drawing 1-1 in the second leg in Germany.
Enrique Praises Arteta and Warns of Tough Test
Speaking after the match, Enrique acknowledged the quality of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, who could enter the final in Budapest as Premier League champions. The two managers were childhood teammates, and Enrique expressed admiration for his counterpart.
'I appreciate Mikelito Arteta! We used to be teammates when we were kids, he did a great job at Arsenal. It will be a difficult, hard game but we believe in our football style,' Enrique said.
Reflecting on his side's performance against Bayern, he added: 'Good memories. We could leave the match with a lot of intensity. The defence were better than the attack. The character we showed against a team like Bayern is so positive. We're so happy to reach a second Champions League final in a row.'
PSG Star Kvaratskhelia Also Speaks Out
PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has scored 10 goals and provided six assists in the Champions League this season, also shared his thoughts on facing Arsenal. 'We respect all of the teams. For us, it's important to play our game. We don't really think about who is going to be our opponent, we just prepare our game and give everything on the pitch. It will be difficult – it's the Champions League final – and we just have to go and enjoy it,' he said.
Arsenal's First Final Since 2006
The match on May 30 at the Puskas Arena will mark Arsenal's first Champions League final since 2006, when they lost 2-1 to Barcelona despite taking the lead through Sol Campbell's header. PSG eliminated Arsenal in the semi-finals last season, but the Gunners have since grown stronger under Arteta.
Enrique concluded: 'Very difficult. They play football at the highest level. Both teams are similar, we love to press higher. We are very happy. In two days I'm going to celebrate my birthday. I'm very happy. We're in the next phase of the competition, the final of the Champions League. We want to give our supporters that kind of gift.'
