Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has admitted that Arsenal’s deadly set-piece strategy is one of the biggest reasons he is worried ahead of their massive Champions League final showdown.
The Spanish coach, known for his calm personality and tactical confidence, reportedly believes Arsenal possess one of the most dangerous attacking weapons in European football when it comes to corners, free-kicks, and dead-ball situations.
Speaking ahead of the final, Enrique is said to have privately praised Mikel Arteta’s tactical preparation and the incredible work Arsenal’s coaching staff have done over the last two seasons. While PSG boast world-class attacking stars capable of hurting any team in open play, Enrique allegedly fears that Arsenal’s organization from set-pieces could completely change the balance of the match.
According to reports close to the PSG camp, the former Barcelona manager has spent several training sessions focusing heavily on defensive positioning during corners and indirect free-kicks. Arsenal’s ability to create chaos inside the penalty area has become one of their most feared qualities, especially in high-pressure games where a single goal can decide everything.
Enrique reportedly told members of his backroom staff that Arsenal are “different from most teams” because they can dominate matches even without long periods of possession. The Spaniard is believed to be particularly concerned about how Arsenal use movement, blocking runs, and aerial power to overwhelm defenders inside the box.
Much of Arsenal’s recent success from set-pieces has been credited to specialist coach Nicolas Jover, whose tactical routines have transformed the North London side into one of Europe’s most efficient dead-ball teams. From near-post flicks to carefully rehearsed crowding patterns around goalkeepers, Arsenal have repeatedly found ways to break down even the strongest defensive units.
PSG’s analysts reportedly highlighted several Arsenal goals this season that came directly from corners and wide free-kicks, with defenders like Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba becoming huge attacking threats in the air. Declan Rice has also added dangerous delivery quality, while Bukayo Saka’s precision from set plays has created numerous opportunities throughout the campaign.
Enrique allegedly believes the final could be decided by “small details,” and Arsenal’s efficiency from dead-ball situations is viewed internally as one of those crucial details. PSG are expected to dominate possession for long spells, but the French champions know that conceding unnecessary corners or free-kicks around the area could become extremely costly.
The concern inside the PSG camp reportedly increased after Arsenal’s recent performances in Europe, where Arteta’s side consistently looked dangerous whenever they won set-pieces in advanced areas. Several PSG players are believed to have spent extra time studying Arsenal’s movement patterns, especially the aggressive runs made by Gabriel and Kai Havertz during corners.
Despite PSG’s attacking quality, Enrique reportedly understands that finals are often tense and tactical affairs where chances from open play can be limited. That is why Arsenal’s strength in dead-ball situations has become such a major talking point before the game.
The Spaniard is also said to admire Arsenal’s physicality and discipline. Unlike many attacking teams, Arsenal combine technical quality with powerful aerial presence, making them extremely difficult to defend against during stoppages. Enrique reportedly warned his players that concentration levels must remain perfect for the entire match because Arsenal only need “one moment” from a set-piece to punish opponents.
Fans have already begun debating whether Arsenal’s set-piece dominance could ultimately become the deciding factor in the final. Many supporters believe Arteta’s men have developed a weapon similar to some of the greatest Premier League teams of the past, capable of scoring even when performances are not at their best.
Meanwhile, Arsenal supporters will likely take Enrique’s comments as a huge compliment. Under Arteta, the Gunners have evolved into a complete side capable of hurting teams in multiple ways. While players like Martin Ødegaard and Saka provide creativity in open play, Arsenal’s deadly efficiency from corners and free-kicks has added another terrifying dimension to their game.
The psychological battle before the final is already intensifying, and Enrique’s reported fears show just how much respect Arsenal now command across Europe. PSG may possess elite attacking stars, but Arsenal’s tactical preparation and set-piece brilliance have clearly caught the attention of one of football’s most respected managers.
As the countdown to the Champions League final continues, all eyes will now be on whether Arsenal can once again use their famous set-piece routines to deliver on the biggest stage of all. If Enrique’s concerns prove correct, PSG could face a very long night whenever Arsenal win a corner or free-kick near the box.