Luis Enrique insists Paris Saint-Germain will prepare for Arsenal’s set-pieces just as they did for Liverpool, refusing to view the Gunners as a unique threat.
Paris Saint‑Germain head coach Luis Enrique, 54, has made clear he will approach Arsenal’s deadball routines in exactly the same manner as any other opponent. The French champions travel to the Emirates Stadium next week for a high‑stakes Champions League tie with the north London side. PSG secured their spot in the final four by overcoming Aston Villa and Liverpool in successive rounds of the 2024/25 competition, and Enrique refuses to single out the reigning Premier League leaders for extra scrutiny.
The last meeting between these clubs came in the group stage in September, when Kai Havertz, 25, opened the scoring before Bukayo Saka, 23, curled in a stunning free‑kick. The two goals sealed a 2‑0 victory for Arsenal, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, 26, helpless to stop Saka’s set‑piece finish. Despite that result, Enrique insists his preparations will mirror those he employed against Liverpool earlier in the knockout stages.
“We will prepare in the same way as we did against Liverpool,” Enrique said when asked about Arsenal’s prowess from corners and free‑kicks. He added that Aston Villa also demonstrated similar potential in that department. Enrique stressed he will not dedicate extra training sessions to neutralising Arsenal’s routines, but he expects his team to compete fiercely in every phase of the game.
PSG’s path to the semi‑final represents their third straight tie against Premier League opposition, having dispatched both Aston Villa and Liverpool already. Both teams posed distinct challenges, but Enrique believes deadball situations are a universal test. He pointed out that most Ligue 1 sides also pose threats from set‑pieces, yet PSG managed to contain them without overhauling their tactical plan.
The data underpins his confidence. Arsenal have converted 13 set‑piece opportunities into goals so far this season, while Liverpool have managed just six from similar situations in the same period. Only three Premier League sides and Fulham sit below the Reds in set‑piece returns for 2024/25. Despite that, it remains Arsenal’s most potent weapon in tight contests, and Saka’s accuracy from deadballs has been particularly impressive.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, 47, echoed the view that time and repetition underpin set‑piece mastery. Slot pointed out that his staff has held numerous meetings and training drills since his arrival nine months ago, yet the fine margins still elude his squad. “If a team nails its deadballs, you know the coach has been there a long time,” he said, praising Mikel Arteta’s 43‑year‑old leadership for turning Arsenal into a world‑class unit from all phases.
Questions linger over whether Enrique’s comparison between Liverpool and Arsenal underestimates the Gunners’ specialist edge. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has invested heavily in refining routines, and his side’s set‑piece efficiency has delivered crucial goals in both domestic and European campaigns. PSG will need to maintain focus in training and avoid complacency if they are to stifle that proven weapon.
Looking ahead, PSG’s pragmatic stance suggests they will stick to their usual tactical blueprint, leveraging their experience and squad depth. With players like Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappé expected to lead the charge, Enrique will demand sharp transitions and physical dominance. The challenge will be to match Arsenal’s intensity at the Emirates and to demonstrate that deadball situations can be managed without special treatment.
