JAKARTA - Luis Enrique replied to what he thought was unfair to Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.
PSG confirmed their fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title earlier this month and has turned themselves into one of the most dangerous teams in Europe this season.
They face the Gunners in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on April 30, 2025, early morning WIB, at the Emirates Stadium with the aim of reaching their first final in the European main club tournament since 2019/2020.
However, Luis Enrique directed his attention to reporters during a press conference on Monday, April 28, 2025, local time, amid various questions, including the decline in Vitinha's performance, PSG's vulnerability in a dead ball situation, and a difficult group stage, covering a 0-2 defeat to Arsenal in October 2024.
"No one talks about the goals or matches we have won. Let's talk about our defeat, it's okay."
"You can say whatever you want, you can send everything to me."
"Our mindset is incredible. The squad members who are the most unhappy or sad are me. So, you can imagine what the others are doing," said Luis Enrique.
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"Let me explain it. Maybe I was wrong, but when I talk about negative climate, I don't talk about supporters or staff inside the club."
"However, yes, the questions that come from the media and even the questions raised by journalists, I think are quite negative. Maybe it's just me who felt it," said the coach again when urged to explain further.
Arsenal have become a strong force in a set-piece situation under Mikel Arteta.
They scored more goals in the Premier League than any team from a dead ball situation since the start of last season.
While in Ligue 1, only four teams conceded more set-pieces than PSG (10 goals) - which is equivalent to 32 percent of their overall conceded, which is the highest proportion in the division.
"We are clearly working on all aspects of the game. In your opinion, how can I get a license as a coach without working on everything?"
"It (the defeat of Arsenal) happened seven or eight months ago. I watched that game again. We are a much better team today," Enrique said of Arsenal's threat.
Arsenal, who secured a 5-1 aggregate win over defending Real Madrid champions in the quarter-finals, are unbeaten at home in the Champions League this season.
The record is clearly a special concern for Enrique as well as motivation to break the record.
"We are going through a very intense group phase, with many matches that could be finals."
"So, I think it makes things difficult because we are in a difficult position, but it makes us much stronger and we are more complete."
"This is the semifinals of the Champions League, but it remains two games between the two teams with the same goal. The key is to manage the pressure."
"They are one of the best teams in Europe. They have been doing a great job with their coaches over the past few years."
"We all deserve to be here. I like my team the most, that's why I'm here."
"Some people will prefer Paris, some like Arsenal, that's part of life," said Luis Enrique.
Meanwhile, both Arsenal and PSG are trying hard to win the tournament of elite European clubs for the first time.
Enrique also emphasized that the target was difficult, but nothing was impossible.
"The goal is difficult to achieve. That doesn't mean we're under pressure, we're ambitious."
"When we said we wanted to make history, we talked about doing something no one else has ever done before."
"This team has a lot of confidence, and sometimes we are less brilliant, but it's part of life."
"PSG has never won the Champions League? Likewise Arsenal. We can't let that stop us from performing at the highest level."
"We have to remember it, but concentrate on what we have to do," said Luis Enrique.
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