PSG boss confesses to 'obsession' before Arsenal Champions League semi-final

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique dropped the pretence of ignoring next week's mammoth Champions League semi-final against Arsenal, admitting that he has an "obsession" with Europe's premier club competition.

The side from the French capital have already been crowned Ligue 1 champions, effectively ruling the remainder of the campaign redundant. Rather than insist that Friday's top-flight encounter with Nice was at the forefront of his mind, Enrique dropped his guard.

"We have this obsession with the Champions League," the Spanish boss confessed. "It's a unique scenario. I think this is the first time this has happened to us, as a coaching staff, to be champions by such a large margin."

PSG do still have the possibility of becoming the first side in the history of Ligue 1 to go an entire campaign unbeaten, with four games remaining. "There are still records to break," Enrique shrugged, "and that's what motivates us." Although, he soon let his real intentions be known.

"If someone guaranteed me a place in the Champions League final after a defeat against Nice, I would sign immediately," the former Barcelona manager laughed. "But since no one can guarantee it, and we're ambitious, I think it's important for our confidence to aim for this [unbeaten] record."

Arsenal have the luxury of a six-day break to prepare for PSG's visit to the Emirates Stadium. Unlike their upcoming opponents, the Gunners' domestic fate has been effectively sealed for all the wrong reasons, with a limp 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night all but confirming Liverpool as Premier League champions.

PSG have already caught the Eurostar to the Emirates this season, falling to a convincing 2-0 defeat in the first phase of the Champions League. That contest, however, is likely to bear little resemblance to the two-legged semi-final. Ousmane Dembele - the most prolific player on the planet in 2025 - was not involved in that October loss and the French outfit have since settled into a selfless new system.

Enrique's side are billed as one of the competition's favourites, but they were tested by Liverpool and Aston Villa during the knockout stages, with both English clubs enjoying one victory despite losing each tie on aggregate.

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