Luis Enrique has praised Arsenal’s Premier League triumph ahead of the Champions League final, insisting neither PSG nor the Gunners are favourites as both clubs chase European glory in Budapest.
PSG manager Luis Enrique has praised Arsenal and Mikel Arteta ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final, describing the Premier League champions as a team fully deserving of their domestic success.
The Champions League final: Paris Saint-Germain 🆚 Arsenal
🎨 @elfalso92 | #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/JFLbViR2BK
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 30, 2026
The Spanish coach believes both finalists have earned their place on Europe’s biggest stage through consistency and quality across the season.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Luis Enrique reserved special praise for Arteta, a former teammate from their days in Spain. He admitted he was not surprised to see Arsenal crowned Premier League champions after years of steady progress under the Spaniard’s leadership.
“I’m not surprised he took them to the title,” Luis Enrique said. “They have been consistent throughout the season and deserved to win the Premier League. Competing against Manchester City is never easy, but Arsenal proved they were worthy champions.”
📣🎙️Luis Enrique on His Plan to Stop Arsenal in the Champions League at Budapest:
Yeah, I can say most Premier League teams play with almost the same pattern – Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool and the rest.
But it’s quite easy for us because we press them, press, press and press… pic.twitter.com/j0IFR1A5kg
— DREN!! (@City_Dren) May 29, 2026
The PSG boss also highlighted Arteta’s deep understanding of the North London club after more than six years in charge.
According to Luis Enrique, that stability has been a major factor behind Arsenal’s transformation into one of Europe’s elite sides.
Despite Arsenal boasting the best defensive record in this season’s Champions League and PSG possessing one of the competition’s most potent attacks, Luis Enrique rejected suggestions that the teams are fundamentally different.
🔴🔵🏆 Luis Enrique: “Winning the UCL, it was historical last year for PSG. But winning it twice in a row…
…that would be fantastic. It’s an extra
motivation for us”. pic.twitter.com/fWwtrMu4UN— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 30, 2026
Instead, he believes both sides share a similar football philosophy while taking different approaches to achieve success.
“We are aiming for the same destination, but we have taken different routes,” he explained. “Arsenal score plenty of goals and defend well, just as we do. The differences are not as significant as people might think.”
PSG enter the final with recent history on their side, having beaten Arsenal home and away during last season’s Champions League semi-finals.
Nevertheless, Luis Enrique stressed that his players are not taking anything for granted and have spent considerable time studying their opponents in preparation for the showdown in Budapest.
The Spanish coach also dismissed the idea that Arsenal’s title celebrations, which included Arteta confidently predicting Champions League success, would provide extra motivation for his squad.
While Arsenal are chasing a first-ever Champions League title, Luis Enrique believes the challenge of defending a European crown is even greater.
With both teams arriving as domestic champions and eager to make more history, the PSG manager expects a closely contested final where fine margins could ultimately decide who lifts the trophy.
