Luis Enrique praised Arsenal as “one of the best teams this season” but insisted PSG believe they can defend their Champions League crown in Budapest.
Paris Saint-Germain booked their place in the final with a 1-1 draw away to Bayern Munich, progressing 6-5 on aggregate after a dramatic semi-final tie. They will now face Arsenal in Budapest on May 30 after Arteta’s side beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate.
Speaking after PSG’s win over Bayern, Luis Enrique made clear he has full belief in his team.
“Do I believe we can win the final? Yes,” he said. “Do you remember what I said after group stage? I said I don't see any team being better than we are. The critics were saying that PSG are maybe not that great, but I was right.”
That confidence comes with context. PSG needed to survive a difficult second leg in Munich, with Ousmane Dembele scoring early before Harry Kane equalised deep into stoppage time. Bayern’s late goal was not enough to stop the holders, with the German side losing on aggregate.
Luis Enrique also acknowledged the quality of the opponents waiting for PSG in Budapest.
“Bayern are at our level and Arsenal have been one of the best teams this season,” he said. “They have had an incredible year and are still chasing the Premier League.
“They are in the final, but I believe in my team and it is important to underline that.”
Arteta’s side have built their European run on control, defensive strength and decisive moments in tight knockout games. The win over Atletico was not comfortable, but it showed Arsenal can manage pressure against elite opposition.
PSG, though, will bring a different type of threat. They have already knocked out Bayern and are bidding to become only the second team in the Champions League era to retain the trophy, after Real Madrid’s run of three straight wins between 2016 and 2018.
Luis Enrique pointed to PSG’s wider body of work as evidence of their readiness.
“We showed over the last three years that we are ready to play against any opponents,” he said. “This is a team you can count on because we are always fighting.”
Arsenal will have time to turn attention fully towards Budapest once their domestic run-in is complete. But the final is already taking shape as a meeting between two of the strongest sides in Europe this season, with Luis Enrique making clear PSG will arrive with confidence as holders.