Luis Enrique has stated that Paris Saint-Germain won’t be making any special tactical adjustments to counter Arsenal’s strength in set-pieces, saying they’ll approach the match just as they would any Ligue 1 fixture. Despite Arsenal’s reputation for being dangerous from corners and free-kicks—a transformation largely credited to set-piece coach Nicolas Jover—Enrique believes PSG’s usual preparation is sufficient.
Arsenal’s effectiveness in this area has become a key part of their strategy over the last two seasons. Jover’s impact has been so significant that he even received a mural tribute from fans at the Emirates Stadium. However, the team hadn’t scored from a direct free-kick since 2021 until Declan Rice ended that drought with two stunning goals against Real Madrid.
With Arsenal set to meet PSG in the Champions League semi-final soon, expectations are high. Still, Enrique downplayed the idea of changing their setup, citing past games against strong opponents like Liverpool and Aston Villa, both known for their set-piece prowess.
He also highlighted PSG’s own success with attacking set-plays, emphasizing that their strategies vary depending on the opponent, including different corner variations. According to Enrique, PSG have shown they are effective in this area too.
When questioned about criticism aimed at left-back Nuno Mendes, Enrique defended the Portuguese player, calling him a “fighter jet” and “unique,” stating that it’s unfair to single him out for mistakes that all players make.
Additionally, Enrique addressed Ousmane Dembele’s visible frustration after their quarter-final second leg against Aston Villa, where the forward rejected the man-of-the-match award. Enrique explained that Dembele’s disappointment stemmed from the team’s loss of control during the game, despite ultimately advancing. He emphasized the importance of giving maximum effort, even if the results don’t always reflect it.