Luis Enrique dismissed any notion of negativity around Paris Saint-Germain and insisted he and his players were ready to edge a step closer to history by beating Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals.
The Spaniard felt the questioning from the French journalists at the pre-match press conference were not particularly positive, perhaps reflecting the fact his team have won just one of their last four games in all competitions.
Luis Enrique said that was not reflective of the mood in the camp and said PSG were confident heading into the first leg at the Emirates tomorrow night.
🎙️ Luis Enrique : « Notre but est d’écrire une page de l’histoire et cela passe par cette double confrontation face à Arsenal. »#ARSPSG | #UCL pic.twitter.com/4ZXv5HwBpX
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) April 28, 2025
Everyone at PSG upbeat about Arsenal clash
Addressing the mood within the media, he said: “I am only talking about your questions [when talking about negativity], not our supporters or staff.
“I could be wrong but I feel through your questions a negative atmosphere.
“The mood is exceptional. I’m the saddest person in the group, so imagine how the others feel.”
The Champions League remains the Holy Grail for PSG, who have only reached one final previously despite heavy investment from the club’s Qatari owners.
Luis Enrique added: “This pressure does not suffocate us, we manage it quite well. We are ambitious, we want to make history and do what others have not done.
“I see my team with confidence. Of course, there are moments of difficulties, and this is normal. I realise that people in Paris do not necessarily ask for victory, but a great journey. There is this motivation to win.”
PSG have improved since October – PSG chief
Arsenal beat PSG in the league phase but Luis Enrique believes his side have improved since then.
“We are a more complete team now and we now want to write a page in history,” he said.
“It was October 1, seven months ago [when we lost to Arsenal]. I think there are big differences. I rewatched the match and saw our progress. I think we’re a better team, we’ve shown that throughout the competition.
“We had the toughest league phase and now we’re in the semi-finals. At first it was detrimental but, in the end, it was positive because it helped us progress.”
It ought to be a hard-fought tie Luis Enrique acknowledged, adding: “Arsenal and Paris are similar. They are a team capable of attacking and defending together, with high-level individuals like us, without being dependent on them.
“Are Arsenal the best team we’ve played? Hard to say. In any case, they are one of the best European teams, that’s for sure, and so are we.”
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