On Saturday, in the 2025-2026 Champions League final, Paris Saint-Germain will face Arsenal at the Puskas Arena in Budapest (kick-off at 6 p.m., CET). On the eve of this match, PSG coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “Two similar ideas, but with different paths.”
Two clashing visions of football?
More than two different ideas, I’d say two similar ideas, but with different paths. They also score a lot of goals, and we defend very well. But the path is different.
Arteta’s work with Arsenal? Are you surprised?
Not surprised. They deserved to win the Premier League. They were the best team, the most consistent. It was tough against Manchester City, but they deserve it. This will be my sixth or seventh year with Arsenal; we can see what kind of team he’s built.
Luis Enrique: “We’ve shown what kind of team we are.”
Once is historic, twice is legendary? Do you think you’ll become a legend?
Every time we see the fans’ excitement, it’s positive. But before the final, we want to stay focused on what’s important. It motivates us to continue being one of the best teams in the world. That’s the goal, clearly.
Two great matches against Bayern, which did you prefer and which one do you want to see tomorrow?
For the result, 5-4. The second match, we drew. But I enjoyed all our Champions League matches. Against Monaco, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Bayern. We showed in those matches what kind of team we are. We changed things, we dominated, we suffered, and we showed what kind of team we are. We’ve reached the final again, it’s very difficult. And it’s historic for us.
Luis Enrique: “We have to enjoy playing such a match.”
To what extent have you replicated last year’s final preparation, apart from tactics?
If we’re talking about training sessions, it’s the same as usual, we want to give the players rest. But it’s clear we’ve had time to analyze. We know our opponent very well; we’ve played against them in recent years. There are always details to improve. We’ll continue to improve our offensive and defensive performance. Knowing how to manage a final is always different. We have to take advantage of playing such a match. It’s essential; you never know when you’ll play another Champions League final.
You said you were surprised that the project worked so quickly? Are you still amazed, or has certainty set in?
Around a team like PSG, there’s always a lot of noise. If you lose, it doesn’t matter what you’ve won before. That’s normal. To play for PSG, you have to be ready to overcome that. Next season, if we lose three matches in a row, it will be total chaos. That’s football. But we’ve shown that we’re a team that plays, that makes competition a real pleasure. We’ve shown that consistency.
Luis Enrique: “You have to know how to manage these moments, it’s important.”
Are you more apprehensive about this final than last year’s?
When we talk about a final, it’s always difficult. Last year was an exception. We had a superiority that wasn’t truly ours, but that’s football. I don’t think there’s a favorite; you have to capitalize on the small details, the things that can be important. You have to be fully present in the game every minute and enjoy it. There’s always tension and expectations. You have to know how to manage these moments; it’s important.
Arteta announced that Arsenal will be European champions. Is that a source of motivation?
There’s no greater motivation than playing in the Champions League final. The rest is just strategies and commentary. We’ll see tomorrow who the best team is to win. I’m focused on the match to show our best level.
Luis Enrique: “We’re thinking about the future. The future is tomorrow, to win a trophy.”
When you arrived at PSG, did you imagine doing all this? Could a victory tomorrow be the start of a dynasty?
Of course, that was the objective, mine and PSG’s. It was part of the plan. Maybe not this quickly. But I think we deserved the victory last year; we were the better team. It’s easier with the resources here, the infrastructure, and the level of the players. We’re thinking about the future. The future is tomorrow, to win a trophy.
Are Hakimi and Nuno Mendes ready?
They’re ready, yes.
Luis Enrique: “It’s made us grow.”
Arsenal has the motivation to make history; that’s powerful?
It’s powerful, but do you know how powerful the motivation to win two games in a row is? It’s more than that; we’re ahead (smiles).
Why are you so confident you can win?
Because we’re the defending champions, and no other team has had a schedule like ours. It’s made us grow. Tomorrow is a celebration of football, and the team that plays best will win.
