Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has promised that his side will present a far greater challenge to Arsenal when the two teams clash in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Enrique reflected on PSG’s earlier 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the group stage back in October but insisted that much has changed since then. Now, he believes PSG are a completely different side, full of confidence and momentum.
A Different PSG This Time Around
Back in October, Arsenal dominated PSG at the Emirates Stadium, securing a comfortable win through goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. PSG were criticized at the time for a lackluster performance, looking far from the European powerhouse they aspire to be.
However, Enrique stressed that time has allowed his team to evolve dramatically.
“That was seven or eight months ago,” Enrique told reporters on Monday.
“I watched that match again, and we’re a much better team today.
We went through a very intense group phase with matches that felt like finals. That experience made us stronger and more complete.”
Since that defeat, PSG have stormed to their fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title and have booked a place in the French Cup final. More impressively, they eliminated Liverpool and Aston Villa—both strong English clubs—on their path to the Champions League’s last four.
This semi-final now offers a fresh narrative. Enrique is clear: this is a different PSG, ready to battle at the highest level.
From Paris to London! #ARSPSG I @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/4zPvr3jxSI
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 28, 2025
Managing the Pressure
Luis Enrique knows that success in the Champions League often comes down to mental strength as much as tactics or talent.
“These are Champions League semi-finals, but at the end of the day, it’s still two matches between two teams chasing the same dream,” he explained.
“The key will be how we manage the pressure across both legs.”
It’s a message of balance and calmness—qualities Enrique believes his side have developed through adversity earlier in the season.
Both PSG and Arsenal are desperate to win their first-ever Champions League title, and Enrique believes the ambition, not pressure, will drive his players forward.
“When we say we want to make history, we’re talking about doing something nobody at PSG has ever done,” he said.
“The team is confident. Sometimes we’re brilliant, sometimes we’re not, but that’s life. We focus on our task.”
Respect for Arsenal’s Progress
While backing his own side, Enrique didn’t shy away from praising Arsenal for their achievements under Mikel Arteta. Arsenal have enjoyed a phenomenal European campaign, including a stunning 5-1 aggregate win over defending champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Arsenal have also maintained an unbeaten record at home throughout this Champions League season, making them formidable opponents.
“They’re one of the best teams in Europe,” Enrique admitted.
“They’ve been doing a remarkable job for several years now under their coach.”
Despite that respect, Enrique made it clear he wouldn’t swap his team for any other.
“I like my team the most—that’s why I’m here. Some people will prefer Paris, others Arsenal. That’s football.”
It’s a battle of styles and philosophies, and Enrique is embracing the challenge.
First-Time Glory Awaits
One major storyline adds extra intrigue to the tie: neither PSG nor Arsenal has ever won the Champions League. For two clubs with huge ambition and passionate fanbases, lifting Europe’s most prestigious trophy would be historic.
PSG, despite dominating domestically in France for years, have often fallen short in Europe. Arsenal, meanwhile, are enjoying a renaissance under Arteta, blending exciting young talent with tactical maturity.
Luis Enrique is determined not to let past failures define PSG’s present ambitions.
“PSG have never won the Champions League? Neither have Arsenal,” Enrique reminded the media.
“That must not block us. We have to stay focused on our job and perform at the highest level.”
He also stressed that confidence and ambition, not fear, should be PSG’s guiding lights as they step into the semi-final.
“The objective is difficult to achieve. That doesn’t mean we are under pressure; we are ambitious.”
The Parisian squad for #ARSPSG in the @ChampionsLeague semi-final first leg. #UCL pic.twitter.com/SoEwnq46Wx
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 28, 2025
Battle Lines Drawn
As kickoff approaches, anticipation is building. Arsenal will lean on their devastating form, their home support, and the magic of players like Saka, Rice, and Martin Ødegaard.
PSG, under Enrique, arrive better prepared, more battle-tested, and full of belief. With stars like Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, and Vitinha firing, they have every reason to think this time could be different.
Tuesday’s clash promises to be a thrilling battle between two clubs desperate to carve their name into Champions League history.
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