Vincent Kompany has reportedly thrown his support behind Arsenal ahead of their massive UEFA Champions League final showdown against Paris Saint-Germain, with the Bayern Munich manager said to be hugely impressed by the way Mikel Arteta’s side have developed throughout the season.
The Champions League final in Budapest is already being described as one of the most exciting European finals in recent years, with Arsenal chasing their first ever Champions League crown while PSG aim to defend the title they won last season.
Kompany’s backing of Arsenal comes after his own Bayern Munich side were eliminated by PSG in a dramatic semi-final encounter earlier this month. The German giants pushed Luis Enrique’s team all the way over two legs, but PSG eventually edged through to the final.
According to growing reports and reactions circulating online, Kompany believes Arsenal are better prepared tactically for the final and have the defensive structure needed to frustrate PSG’s dangerous attack.
The Belgian coach is understood to admire the balance Arteta has built into the Arsenal squad. Throughout the season, Arsenal have combined aggressive pressing with defensive discipline, becoming one of the toughest teams to break down in Europe. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique recently described Arsenal as one of the best teams in the world without possession.
Kompany reportedly sees that defensive organisation as the key factor that could decide the final. Arsenal’s back line, led by stars such as William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, has earned praise all season for shutting down elite attackers in both the Premier League and Europe.
The former Manchester City captain is also believed to be a huge admirer of Declan Rice. Rice has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers during their run to the final, dominating midfield battles and bringing leadership to Arteta’s side. Analysts and reports ahead of the final have repeatedly highlighted Rice as one of the players capable of controlling the game against PSG’s energetic midfield.
For Arsenal supporters, hearing praise from a manager like Kompany will only increase belief that this could finally be the year the club conquers Europe. Arsenal have waited two decades to return to the Champions League final after their heartbreaking defeat to Barcelona in 2006.
Arteta has transformed the club over recent seasons, turning Arsenal from domestic challengers into genuine European contenders. Their route to the final has been extremely impressive, with victories over top-level opposition including Bayer Leverkusen, Sporting CP, and Atletico Madrid.
PSG, however, remain a terrifying opponent. The French champions eliminated Liverpool, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich on their journey to the final and possess one of the most dangerous attacking units in world football. Ousmane Dembélé has been in sensational form, while players such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué have added creativity and speed to Luis Enrique’s system.
Still, Kompany reportedly believes Arsenal possess something special mentally this season. Winning the Premier League has given the squad confidence, and many around Europe now view the North London side as fully ready for the biggest stage.
There is also a growing feeling that Arteta’s tactical preparation could be decisive. Arsenal have shown throughout the knockout stages that they can adapt to different styles of opponents. Against possession-heavy teams, they remain compact and disciplined, while against defensive sides they have shown patience and creativity.
Kompany himself experienced how dangerous PSG can be in transition during Bayern’s semi-final defeat, but reports suggest he believes Arsenal are better equipped than Bayern were to limit those counterattacking moments. Arsenal’s midfield structure and defensive recovery speed are seen as major strengths heading into the final.
The final itself is expected to attract enormous global attention, with two modern football projects battling for European glory in Budapest. PSG are aiming to establish themselves as Europe’s new dominant force, while Arsenal are chasing a historic first Champions League triumph that would cement Arteta’s legacy at the club.
Whether Kompany’s prediction proves correct remains to be seen, but his support adds another fascinating layer to what is already shaping up to be a legendary final. Arsenal fans will certainly hope the former Premier League-winning captain is right — and that the Gunners can finally lift the most prestigious trophy in European club football.