Mikel Arteta has pushed back on Luis Enrique’s claim that there is no clear favourite heading into tomorrow’s Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG.
Both managers addressed the media on Friday ahead of the highly anticipated clash in Budapest, with the pair offering contrasting views on the balance of power.
Luis Enrique was first to speak, playing down suggestions that PSG hold any kind of advantage over the Gunners going into the final.
Enrique said: “I don’t think that there is a favourite to be honest. For us the devil is in the detail and I think it will be a very close call. We have to enjoy the 90 minutes, there is always a tension. It is about knowing how to manage that stress.”
When directly asked whether PSG are the favourites, Arteta offered a sharp and pointed response that contradicted his fellow Spaniard’s position.
Arteta replied: “Well, they are defending the trophy. So they were the last ones that had the right to lift that trophy, and they are actually the champions, and we are here to take that away from them.”
Many observers, including World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo, have already tipped PSG as the more likely winners heading into the Budapest showpiece.
The Parisians eliminated Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich during the knockout rounds, with their impressive run prompting many to hand Arsenal the underdog label.
Despite the tactical disagreement, Arteta was quick to express genuine admiration for the PSG manager and his achievements both as a player and coach.
Arteta said: “Well, he’s always been a reference since he was a player, because he was a very special player. Then when he became a coach, and if you look at his journey, when he left Spain and he went abroad, and then he came back.”
The Arsenal manager continued his praise, highlighting the transformative impact Enrique has had on the PSG squad since taking charge at the club.
Arteta added: “In particular what he’s done with this PSG club and team, you can see his fingerprints all over it. The identity, the mentality, the way the players behave, the way they play. So, he’s been an inspiration, and tomorrow we’ll be clashing each other on that touchline.”
Arteta confirmed that Arsenal will head into the final at the Puskas Arena with a near-complete squad available for selection.
Both Jurrien Timber and Noni Madueke were cleared to feature against the defending champions, giving the Arsenal boss a timely fitness boost.
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