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FC·PREVIEW·May 6, 2026 06:58 PM ET

Luis Enrique praises Arteta ahead of PSG-Arsenal Champions League final

PSG boss salutes old teammate before Budapest showdown.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated May 61 min read
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What happened: PSG manager Luis Enrique offered warm words for Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta ahead of the Champions League final, calling him "Mikelito" and recalling their days as youth teammates. Enrique credited Arteta with doing "a great job at Arsenal" while bracing for a "difficult, hard game." He insisted PSG will lean on their own football identity in Budapest.

Why it matters: The exchange sets the tone for a final pitting two possession-oriented sides whose managers share a Barcelona-rooted footballing DNA. Mutual respect aside, Enrique's emphasis on PSG's "style" signals he expects his side to dictate, not react, against an Arsenal team making its first Champions League final. The narrative thread — old friends, divergent paths, one trophy — frames the broader storyline beyond tactics.

What to watch: Watch for Arteta's response and team-news updates as both sides finalize preparations. Lineup confirmations and any late fitness calls will be the next signals to track.

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