Paris Saint-Germain's preparations for the Champions League final are in full swing, with the French side already practicing set pieces to counter Arsenal's threat. Arsenal take on the Ligue 1 giants in the final on May 30 in Budapest.
Before that game, however, Luis Enrique's side still have plenty to consider. They have not yet been officially crowned as French champions; they sit six points clear of Lens with two games of the season remaining. They will take on their nearest rivals on Wednesday evening before a clash with neighbours Paris FC on the final day. But it appears that their priority is their showdown with the Gunners.
Footage from training has shown the French side preparing for Arsenal's threat from set pieces. Goalkeepers Matvéi Safónov and Lucas Chevalier were spotted going through corner and free kick routines in footage shared by French publication RMC Sport.
Arsenal have become one of the most effective sides in the Premier League from set pieces since Mikel Arteta's arrival at the Emirates Stadium. However, they have faced criticism recently, particularly after West Ham's late goal was ruled out in their win at the London Stadium for an apparent foul on David Raya.
Luis Enrique has already spoken out on his preparations for the Champions League final, having chosen not to attend the UNFP award ceremony this week.
The Spanish coach said: “I never go to these kinds of events, I prefer to stay home, I need to study Arsenal. But I’m very happy to see PSG players recognised, it’s well deserved. Those who win trophies do so because they deserve them. Congratulations to Pierre Sage, who deserved the best coach award. What he did this season at Lens is incredible.”
Speaking about his side’s end to the season, Enrique added: “We have to know how to manage the last two matches. The problem is that the Lens match comes three days after the Brest match. It’s very short. We have injured players and others who have played two matches in a row. We have to manage it. Three days is the shortest time between two matches. We will aim to manage it individually, as we have always done this season.”
“Tomorrow, we will show what kind of team we are, our ambition. Every time we wear the PSG jersey, it’s a responsibility. Tomorrow, I see it as a celebration, in one of the best stadiums in France in terms of atmosphere. We are motivated to play this match. And it’s the best preparation to reach the Champions League final.”
“We’ll play a match the weekend before the final. We’ll prepare for the training load. But I’m not worried. When your goal is a Champions League final, you’re ready after a month or even a day of rest. It won’t be a problem.”
