Not long after Paris Saint-Germain beat Bayern Munich to reach the Champions League final, Luis Enrique offered his thoughts on facing Arsenal
Luis Enrique has warned his Paris Saint-Germain side are bracing themselves for a "difficult" Champions League final showdown against Arsenal. The French giants have made it to the final for the second consecutive season.
They edged past Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate, clinching their spot in the showpiece event with a 1-1 draw against the Germans in Munich. Last season, PSG knocked the Gunners out at the semi-final stage.
Yet Mikel Arteta's men could walk into the final in Budapest as Premier League champions. Casting his eye towards the showdown on May 30, Enrique shared his thoughts on what lies in store when both sides take to the pitch at the Puskas Arena at the end of the month.
The key word from Enrique was "difficult" when quizzed on the prospect of locking horns with the north Londoners. Speaking in full, he said: "I appreciate Mikelito Arteta!
"We used to be team-mates when we were kids, he did a great job at Arsenal. It will be a difficult, hard game but we believe in our football style."
When pressed on his side's performance against Bayern, he added: "Good memories. We could leave the match with a lot of intensity. The defence were better than the attack.
"The character we showed against a team like Bayern is so positive. We're so happy to reach a second Champions League final in a row. It was very intense.
"Very difficult. They play football at the highest level. Both teams are similar, we love to press higher. We are very happy. In two days I'm going to celebrate my birthday. I'm very happy.
"We're in the next phase of the competition, the final of the Champions League. We want to give our supporters that kind of gift."
PSG star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has also spoken about facing the Gunners in the final during a post-match interview. The Georgian, who has netted 10 goals and provided six assists throughout his side's Champions League run, said: "We respect all of the teams.
"For us, it's important to play our game. We don't really think about who is going to be our opponent, we just prepare our game and give everything on the pitch. It will be difficult – it's the Champions League final – and we just have to go and enjoy it."
The showdown in Budapest will mark Arsenal's first Champions League final since the 2006 final at the Stade de France. The Gunners suffered a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona despite taking the lead through Sol Campbell's powerful header.