In an interview with Le Parisien, Emmanuel Petit (55), a former midfielder who played for Arsenal and the French national team, shared his thoughts on Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the Champions League final. While admiring PSG’s collective strength, he also cautioned against underestimating Arsenal.
“Paris has been dominating Europe for a year”
“A word on PSG’s performance?
Paris has been dominating Europe for a year now, and the main team that could have caused them problems couldn’t compete. PSG deserved their qualification and is probably the only team that can offer an attacking spectacle like in the first leg of the semi-final and defensive solidity, like in this second leg.
Any weaknesses?
They’re the most complete team. There’s something unmistakable: the sense of unity they exude. Every player who manages to clear a dangerous situation, they celebrate it like a goal. Every player feeds off the encouragement. There are no particular egos. You can feel the affection and sincerity between them.
“Don’t write off the Gunners so quickly”
Can Arsenal cause problems?
They have the best defense in the Champions League, and they’re a team that knows how to score. The aspect that What could be decisive for them is if they manage to become English champions. It could take the pressure off them that they’ve been under for 20 years and show them that they can do it too. I’m fine with them being considered PSG’s sparring partners, but don’t write off these Gunners so quickly.”
Emmanuel Petit sees this PSG team as having reached a rare level of maturity. According to him, Paris is no longer just an attacking force capable of stifling its opponents: the capital club also knows how to display real solidity when the situation demands it.
The former international particularly emphasizes the unity of the group, with players who seem to celebrate defensive efforts as if they were goals and feed off each other. It is precisely this blend of talent, cohesion, and lack of ego that fuels the admiration surrounding Paris Saint-Germain. But Petit refuses to go to the other extreme: Arsenal has serious strengths, especially defensively, and a final is never won on reputation alone.
This warning is invaluable, as it prevents the final from becoming a mere formality. PSG can embrace their status as favorites, but they must maintain the same collective focus to prevent overconfidence from becoming an opening. Respect for the opponent is paramount, something coach Luis Enrique knows how to instill in his squad. It would be very surprising to see the players take this final lightly.
