Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has dismissed suggestions that his side are favourites to retain the Champions League title ahead of Saturday’s final against Arsenal.
The French champions have been one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking teams this season, scoring 44 goals — more than any other side in the tournament. Arsenal, however, boast the strongest defensive record, having conceded only six goals.
PSG claimed their first Champions League title last season with a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final, but Luis Enrique said such one-sided finals are uncommon.
“Finals are always difficult games; last year was exceptional, we did dominate against Inter,” the Spanish coach said.
“In the final tomorrow I don’t think there’s a favourite and, I’m being honest with you, for us the devil is in the detail. It will be a very close call.”
He added that his players would need to manage both the pressure and emotions that come with a Champions League final.
“We will have to give our all for the 90 minutes but also enjoy them. There are waves of tension but it’s also about knowing how to manage that stress,” he said.
Luis Enrique also rejected claims that the teams have completely contrasting styles despite the differences in their statistics.
“I’d say that rather than two different approaches, they are two similar approaches but with different tactics, because they are a team that also scores goals, and we are a team that also defends well, but we do so in different ways,” he explained.
Arsenal are chasing their first Champions League crown, while PSG are seeking back-to-back titles. Luis Enrique said the challenge of defending the trophy was an even greater motivation.
“But you know how powerful it is to try to win the second Champions League in a row? It’s bigger!” he said.
Only Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid have successfully defended the title in the modern era of the competition.
Luis Enrique could also become only the fifth coach to win the Champions League three times, having previously lifted the trophy with Barcelona in 2015 before guiding PSG to success last season.
He said winning the Champions League was the main objective behind his move to Paris.
“That was my objective, the goal of the club, the goal of the sporting director, it was in the plan,” he said.
The PSG manager also confirmed that defenders Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes are fit for the final, while forward Ousmane Dembele has recovered from a calf injury.