Luis Enrique praised Arsenal before this month’s Champions League final and called them the best team in the world without the ball.
The Paris Saint Germain coach said his side already know Arsenal well after previous meetings with Mikel Arteta’s team. He said Arsenal are strong in many areas and deserve their place in the final.
“We’ve got experience of playing against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, and we know full well how good they are on the ball,” Enrique said.
“Off the ball, they’re the best team in the world, no doubt about it. With the ball, they’re capable of scoring plenty of goals.”
Enrique said Arsenal reaching the Champions League final did not surprise him. He believes their recent success shows how much quality they have as a team.
He also expects a close and exciting contest. He said both teams play in different ways, which could make the final even more interesting.
“And it’s only natural to see them in the final. It’ll be a very tough final with two teams approaching it in two different ways. But I think we’re in for a cracking final.”
The PSG coach also spoke about the importance of defending and pressing before the final in Budapest on May 30.
He praised Ousmane Dembele for the work he does without the ball and said his effort helps the whole team.
“He defends all the time, no matter the match or the minute.”
“It’s important to have him because we tend to always highlight what the forwards do when they score goals or provide assists, but we don’t highlight enough what he does as a defender. When a team doesn’t have the ball, you have to defend.”
