Luis Enrique lauds 'top-level manager' Arteta

Luis Enrique hailed Mikel Arteta as a "top-level manager" as Paris Saint-Germain begin their preparation to face Arsenal in the Champions League final.

PSG are looking to defend their title, having beaten Inter 5-0 in last year's showpiece, registering the biggest win margin in a final in Champions League history.

But this year, they will come up against the newly crowned Premier League champions, with Arsenal's title confirmed following Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday.

It ended a 22-year wait for the Gunners to get their hands on that particular trophy, with Arteta leading the team to first place, having finished as runners-up in each of the last three seasons.

And Luis Enrique was full of praise for his counterpart, who has led Arsenal to their first Champions League final since 2006.

"If you look at Arteta's stats, there you have it. He's a leading manager who, since taking over at Arsenal, has changed the team's mentality and what it means to be a team that hadn't won in a long time," Luis Enrique said on PSG's media day.

"Now they're competitive again. For the last four seasons, they've been improving.

"That's the image of what Arteta is all about. Good with the ball. He doesn't give it away. We haven't won the possession battle every time we've faced them.

"Without the ball, they're the best team in Europe in terms of goals created and received. And he's won the Premier League, which is a very high-level competition.

"Last year, they weren't in the Champions League because we were lucky enough to beat them. He's a top-level manager. He's been to some very good places, learning from Pep [Guardiola] at [Manchester] City.

"What he conveys is pretty much what we see from his players."

PSG have won their last two meetings with Arsenal in the Champions League, beating the Gunners 3-1 on aggregate in last year's semi-final. Before that, they were winless in their last three (D2 L1).

One of Arsenal's strongest weapons this season has been set-pieces; among sides in Europe's big-five leagues this season, Arsenal have scored the most goals from corners (26) and most goals via set pieces (35, excl. pens) in all competitions.

Asked if he thought it would be a nightmare to come up against Arsenal at corners, Luis Enrique replied: "No.

"We're going to try to defend as always. We're a small team, but we play very well. We're used to attacking our way.

"They have different styles, but the same footballing philosophy. It's difficult to take the ball away from them.

"We experienced that the day we played against them. They're a well-coached team. They perfectly represent Arteta's ability to motivate and play football. We hope to have a great final."

PSG are currently given a 43% chance of clinching the Champions League for the second consecutive year, with Arsenal the favourites to win it (57%).