Mikel Arteta Praises Luis Enrique and Reflects on Arsenal's Run Ahead of Champions League Final

Mikel Arteta has publicly recalled his brief time alongside Luis Enrique at Barcelona and praised the former Spain coach’s treatment of young players and leadership, comments made as Arsenal prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. Speaking shortly before the showpiece, Arteta highlighted Enrique’s example as both a player and a coach and reflected on how Arsenal’s season — crowned by a Premier League title — has shaped the team’s mindset ahead of the final.

Why it matters

Arteta’s remarks link two storylines: the Champions League final itself — a meeting between two Spanish managers with shared Barcelona ties — and Arsenal’s campaign trajectory. His praise of Luis Enrique frames the final as not only a tactical confrontation but also a clash of managerial identities, while his reflection on Arsenal’s injury problems and Premier League success sets expectations for how the team will approach the match.

Arteta remembers Luis Enrique at Barcelona

Arteta said he remembered Enrique well for how he treated young players and for what he represented as a player. He added that, as a coach, Enrique had shown the leadership to remain true to his methods despite external pressure and had achieved success while doing so. Arteta described Enrique as an example for everyone.

On Arsenal’s season and injuries

Arteta reflected on the difficulties Arsenal faced with injuries during the Premier League campaign, saying that if he had put all the injuries into a machine to calculate the probability of winning the title it would probably have returned just 2%. He framed his role as finding new formulas to keep the team competing and ultimately secure the trophy.

He also acknowledged the psychological swing the club has experienced: the joy of finally winning the Premier League for the first time since 2004, coupled with relief after a season in which Arsenal’s early dominance was threatened by a dip in form later on that allowed Manchester City to push them hard.

• Arteta praised Luis Enrique’s treatment of young players and his leadership as a coach.
• Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final (source states matchup).
• Arteta said injuries made the Premier League title difficult — he estimated a very low probability of success if calculated purely from those setbacks.
• Arteta described the Premier League win as both joy and relief and said the team must convert that emotion into appetite for the Champions League final.

Pressure, confidence and the final

Arteta said there is a ‘part of joy and another of relief’ after winning the Premier League and that he wants the squad to use that feeling as a ‘tsunami of emotion, excitement and hunger’ heading into the Champions League final. He expressed confidence, saying ‘for 90 minutes, this will be showtime.’

The matchup against a PSG side coached by Luis Enrique adds narrative spice because of the managers’ shared Barcelona background and contrasting paths since their playing days. Arteta’s comments underline respect for Enrique while framing the final as a chance for Arsenal to cap a remarkable season.

What happens next

Arsenal will aim to convert domestic success into European glory by winning the Champions League final against PSG. Arteta’s public praise of Luis Enrique and his focus on turning Premier League emotions into motivation indicate the team’s psychological approach to the match. Specifics on squad selection, injuries, or tactical plans were not provided in the source and should be confirmed from official club communications or pre-match press conferences.

Given this story relies on a single report, editors should verify direct quotes against the primary interview transcript or press-conference footage and confirm match details, timing and any further managerial comments before publication.