Luis Enrique lauds 'top-level manager' Arteta
Luis Enrique hailed Mikel Arteta as a "top-level manager" as Paris Saint-Germain begins its preparation to face Arsenal in the Champions League final.
PSG is looking to defend its title, having beaten Inter 5-0 in last year's showpiece, registering the biggest win margin in a final in Champions League history.
But this year, it will come up against the newly crowned Premier League champion, with Arsenal's title confirmed after Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.
It ended a 22-year wait for the Gunners to get their hands on that particular trophy, with Arteta leading the team to first place, having finished as runners-up in each of the last three seasons.
Luis Enrique was full of praise for his counterpart, who has led Arsenal to their first Champions League final since 2006.
"If you look at Arteta's stats, there you have it. He's a leading manager who, since taking over at Arsenal, has changed the team's mentality and what it means to be a team that hadn't won in a long time," Luis Enrique said.
"Now they're competitive again. For the last four seasons, they've been improving.
"That's the image of what Arteta is all about. Good with the ball. He doesn't give it away. We haven't won the possession battle every time we've faced them.
"Without the ball, they're the best team in Europe in terms of goals created and received. And he's won the Premier League, which is a very high-level competition.
"Last year, they weren't in the Champions League because we were lucky enough to beat them. He's a top-level manager. He's been to some very good places, learning from Pep [Guardiola] at [Manchester] City.
"What he conveys is pretty much what we see from his players."
PSG has won its last two meetings with Arsenal in the Champions League, beating the Gunners 3-1 on aggregate in last year's semi-final. Before that, it was winless in its last three.
One of Arsenal's strongest weapons this season has been set-pieces; among sides in Europe's big-five leagues this season, Arsenal has scored the most goals from corners (26) and most goals via set pieces in all competitions.
Asked if he thought it would be a nightmare to come up against Arsenal at corners, Luis Enrique replied: "No.
"We're going to try to defend as always. We're a small team, but we play very well. We're used to attacking our way.
"They have different styles, but the same footballing philosophy. It's difficult to take the ball away from them.
"We experienced that the day we played against them. They're a well-coached team. They perfectly represent Arteta's ability to motivate and play football. We hope to have a great final."
































