Luis Enrique and Mikel Arteta are set to go head-to-head in one of the most anticipated tactical battles between two managers in years as Paris Saint-Germain host Arsenal in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final.
For Mikel Arteta, the dilemma will be about whether to demand the Gunners to go for the kill at the Parc des Princes considering they are trailing 1-0 after the first leg or ease their way into proceedings.
Luis Enrique knows how “dangerous” Arsenal are and it might perhaps be in PSG’s best interest to stick to their principles and attack the visitors from the get-go.
Mikel Merino believes Arsenal will beat PSG — a statement that justifies why Enrique is wary of the threat they pose as the English giants do not seem fearful of the test that awaits them in the French capital.
Luis Enrique says Mikel Arteta is a “great coach” ahead of PSG vs Arsenal
Ahead of PSG’s upcoming clash against Arsenal, Luis Enrique has had his say on Mikel Arteta.
Initially, PSG boss Luis Enrique reflected on his time playing with Arteta in Barcelona’s academy and went on to give his opinion on how his former teammate has transformed Arsenal’s fortunes.
Enrique said via PSG’s official X page: “I played with Mikel Arteta when he was very young at Barca and I have very good memories of that time. He has got a strong character and a real personality.”
“He was a great character and he is a great coach. We have seen what he has done at Arsenal where they have improved so much. He has improved the team in many areas and I wish him all the best, just not for the game tomorrow.”
Luis Enrique has already revealed how PSG will play vs Arsenal
Martin Odegaard was frustrated after Arsenal lost to Bournemouth and in recent weeks, the North Londoners have far from been at their best in the Premier League.
While PSG are the favourites to beat Arsenal, one cannot just write Mikel Arteta’s side against Luis Enrique’s after having witnessed them thrash Real Madrid 5-1 over two legs in the Champions League quarter-final.
Enrique is well aware of the fact that the visiting side could stage a comeback in Paris.
Luis Enrique said via HaytersTV: “Mission accomplished for the game this evening. Nonetheless, we could have had a draw as well, if we would have come away with a draw, it would have been fine as well.”
“We could have won 2-0 as well, the result is what it is, a 1-0 and nobody can take tonight’s win away from us.”
However, Luis Enrique added that PSG must attack Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side on the front foot at home: “But our only objective is to win the second leg at home as well.”
“And with Arsenal, we cannot let our guard down, we cannot be complacent. This is a team who can rewrite history in one second, they can score a goal and then we’d be back to square one. When we received Liverpool, they were leading 1-0 and we didn’t let our guard down and we know how that game turned out, so nothing is in the bag.”
