The world of football is still amazed when we talk about PSG-Bayern on Tuesday evening (5-4). This Champions League semi-final will go down in history as one of the greatest matches of the competition, between the two favorites for final victory. Even Mikel Arteta appreciated the spectacle, he who played the other semi-final the next day on the pitch of Atlético de Madrid with his Arsenal team (1-1). In the event of qualification, he will have to face one of the two behemoths if he wants to win this famous C1.
“When I think about this match, PSG-Bayern, it is probably the best match I have ever attended, both in terms of the quality of the two teams and the individual quality of the players. I’ve never seen anything like this», assures the Spanish coach at a press conference. He nevertheless draws an observation. According to him, Parisians and Bavarians can offer this intensity for 90 minutes because they are simply cooler. “When I see the playing time and the freshness of these players, I am not surprised.»
Too much competition in the Premier League penalizes Arsenal in the Champions League
He continues his explanation which is due to the level of the different championships and their density. “To reach such a level, you have to be in great shape. The difference between the championships and their style of play is obvious. You only need to look at recent statistics to be convinced. We are comparing two different worlds. We cannot compare an aspect without context, that would be unfair.» In other words, the Premier League would offer no respite as the competition is great and limits squad turnover, compared to Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga.
For Arteta, the domination of PSG and Bayern on their respective national scenes allows “have all players available and in top form.» Besides that, Arsenal is having difficulty finishing its season, in particular due to injuries to important players. For this Saturday against Fulham, Havertz, Timber and Merino are absent and victory is imperative to fend off Manchester City. “When we talk about the other two teams the other night (PSG and Bayern), how many players were available? All, at their best. This is the most important.» Arteta will however have to deal with it.
