Enzo Maresca has backed Arsenal to overcome Paris Saint-Germain in what promises to be one of the biggest UEFA Champions League finals in recent years.
As anticipation builds ahead of the showdown in Budapest, Maresca reportedly believes Arsenal’s tactical discipline, defensive organisation and relentless intensity could give them the edge against the reigning French champions.
The former Chelsea boss, who has previously faced PSG during his managerial career, is said to admire the transformation Mikel Arteta has brought to Arsenal over the past few seasons. According to reports and growing discussion around the final, Maresca feels Arsenal have become one of the most complete teams in Europe, especially without the ball. PSG manager Luis Enrique himself recently described Arsenal as the “best team in the world out of possession,” underlining how highly the North London side are now regarded across Europe.
Arsenal’s route to the final has only strengthened belief that this could finally be their year. The Gunners topped the league phase before knocking out elite European opposition on their way to Budapest. Under Arteta, Arsenal have developed into a side capable of dominating possession while also defending with incredible aggression and structure.
Maresca reportedly believes Arsenal’s midfield could be the deciding factor in the final. The Italian coach is understood to be particularly impressed with the balance Arteta has built in the centre of the pitch, combining technical quality with physical intensity. Against a PSG side filled with attacking stars, controlling midfield transitions could be crucial, and Arsenal’s ability to press collectively may disrupt PSG’s rhythm.
The tactical battle between Arteta and Enrique is expected to be fascinating. PSG possess world-class attacking players including Ousmane Dembele, whose form throughout the competition has been sensational. Enrique recently praised Dembele’s defensive work rate and pressing intensity, describing him as a model for the rest of the squad. However, Maresca reportedly believes Arsenal’s defensive pairing and overall compactness could limit the spaces PSG usually exploit.
Another factor that has encouraged Arsenal supporters is uncertainty surrounding PSG’s squad fitness ahead of the final. Reports in France suggest concerns remain over the condition of key defender Achraf Hakimi. Missing a player of Hakimi’s pace and attacking quality would be a significant blow for PSG, especially against Arsenal’s dangerous wide players.
For Arsenal, this final represents a chance to make history. The club has never won the Champions League, with their only previous final ending in heartbreak against FC Barcelona in 2006. Arteta now has the opportunity to guide Arsenal to European glory for the first time and cement this current squad as one of the greatest in the club’s history.
PSG, meanwhile, are aiming to retain the trophy after finally winning their first Champions League title last season. Enrique’s side have been devastating in attack throughout the campaign and arrive in the final with enormous confidence after eliminating several European heavyweights.
Despite PSG’s firepower, Maresca reportedly feels Arsenal’s collective mentality and tactical maturity could prove decisive on the biggest stage. The Italian coach is believed to admire how Arteta has built a team capable of adapting to different situations — dominating possession when necessary, but also suffering and defending together when under pressure.
The final at the Puskás Aréna is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide as two of Europe’s best sides battle for continental supremacy.
For Arsenal fans, Maresca’s backing will only add to the growing belief that this could finally be the moment the club conquers Europe. With stars performing at their peak, confidence soaring after domestic success, and respected figures across football predicting victory, the Gunners head into the final knowing history is within touching distance.