“Saturday, we are going to be European champions!» Could this little sentence from Mikel Arteta published in a video during Arsenal’s celebrations for their Premier League victory come back like a boomerang in the face of the Spanish coach? In any case, this is the message that PSG supporters wanted to convey on social networks in particular. It would give additional strength to the European champions to retain their title in the final on Saturday (6 p.m.).
Luis Enrique did not want to lower himself to that level. When asked about this, the important thing is not the little words but the motivation and preparation to win a new trophy. “There is no more motivation than playing in a Champions League final. The rest, we will see tomorrow who will be the best team and who will win the trophy. I stay focused on my team and to be able to show my best face tomorrow», replies the Parisian technician at a press conference.
“Winning it twice in a row, there’s even more motivation»
However, his Gunners counterpart made several interventions to better motivate his players with the Budapest shock. There was this interview at Sky Sports last weekend in which he showed his determination. “We have to take the next step, and that step will take place in seven days in Budapest, to win the Champions League, and we know it“. In the game of media formulas, we must recognize certain qualities, where Arsenal always seeks to win the first C1 in its history.
“It’s powerful to have this desire to win the first Champions League in its history. But winning it twice in a row, there’s even more motivation! We are ahead», laughs Luis Enrique, rather relaxed a little over 24 hours before the match. And don’t count on him to rely on the supporters’ formula that has appeared in recent days: “once is historic, twice is legendary“. “Above all, we must continue to be the best team in the world. This is the objective“, he assures.
