Luis Enrique issues PSG board claim and makes Arsenal admission ahead of Champions League clash

PSG boss Luis Enrique has been speaking ahead of his side’s Champions League clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday night. PSG are unbeaten so far this season, winning five of their six Ligue 1 games and narrowly defeating Girona in their Champions League opener.

This should be an early litmus test for Arsenal as they confront their first of two games against a seed one team in this revised group stage, though the same can be said of PSG, who are looking to finally land that elusive Champions League title.

Luis Enrique needs no reminding of the Gunners’ quality though, saying in his pre-match press conference: “Arsenal are one of the best teams in Europe. They play very good football across the park, especially in possession. But without the ball too, they're certainly one of the best teams going around at the moment. I think we're two sides with similar qualities, but also points of difference.”

Luis Enrique was also asked about Ousmane Dembélé’s form after taking the winger off last time out. The Frenchman has scored four and assisted four so far in Ligue 1 this season, but there have often been questions around his form during his career due to consistency issues.

“It's not easy to build a team,” the PSG boss responded. “There are circumstances and decisions that are sometimes difficult to take. I am fully committed to my decisions, but they are not irreversible. I signed for Paris Saint-Germain to build a team with a certain identity. I was hired to try and create the best possible team on the pitch. I have the support of the sporting directors and the President. I'm here to create the best team and that includes with Ousmane Dembélé.”

Luis Enrique on Arteta

The former Spain boss also opened up on his relationship with Gunners boss Arteta. He added: “I got to know Mikel by working with him for a season when he was young. I have fond memories of that period. He has had a very successful career, both as a player, particularly with Paris Saint-Germain, and as a coach. Today, he's one of the best coaches around. He has managed to bring Arsenal back to being a team that can win titles and become a great team once again.

“Mikel Arteta has been Arsenal coach for 5 years now. It's a tough job and it shows that he's doing a very good job. I think he tries to connect with his players, and that's what I like to do too. He's a great coach and a great person, so it will be a pleasure to see him tomorrow.”