Luis Enrique has warned Mikel Arteta he is ready to land his fourth Premier League scalp of this season’s Champions League ahead of Arsenal’s semi-final showdown against Paris St Germain.
PSG saw off Manchester City in the group stages before beating Liverpool on penalties in the last 16, and then knocking out Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.
Arsenal secured a statement 2-0 win against PSG at the Emirates in October, but when asked if fending off Liverpool and Villa provides the French side with a trump card over English opposition, Enrique replied: “Maybe that is a question for Mr Arteta, but in terms of our confidence, it is very positive for us.
“We beat Liverpool and they won the Premier League this year. But that doesn’t mean anything because every single match is different.
“Everybody speaks about the Premier League as being the best league in the world. I don’t know if I agree or not. But we are full confidence and looking forward to playing in the semi-final.”
Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka were both on target for Arsenal when they beat Enrique’s side at the Emirates back in October.
PSG were without star man Ousmane Dembele for the group-stage fixture after Enrique dropped him for failing to “comply or respect the expectations of the team”.
However, Dembele, who scored in PSG’s win at Anfield – one of 29 strikes for the Ligue 1 side this season – is back in favour and due to start for the French champions in the first leg on Tuesday.
PSG, like Arsenal, are bidding to win the Champions League for the first time.
And Enrique added: “The last game took place on October 1 so that was seven or eight months ago, and there are huge differences between now and then.
“I have reviewed the game, and seen how far our game has come and we are better now. We are a more complete team and our next objective is to rewrite history and there is only one way to do that.
“Is Arsenal the best team we have come up against? One of the best teams, yes, without a shadow of a doubt. They are second in the Premier League and that has been the case for the past three seasons.
“We have seen some remarkable work here at Arsenal with a coach that has now been here for six years. I don’t know if it is the best team, but it is certainly one of the best teams (that PSG have faced).
“But I would like to remind you that Arsenal has not won the Champions League before, and only one of us will get the ticket to the final over the two legs. I hope that will be PSG.”
