Ahead of the first leg of the Champions League semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, coach Luis Enrique did not hesitate to criticize the French media for what he deemed as unfair negativity directed at his team.

In a press conference on Monday, the Spanish strategist expressed his dissatisfaction with the media’s focus on PSG’s weaknesses, rather than acknowledging the team’s achievements.

PSG recently clinched their fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title this month, reinforcing their position as one of Europe’s most formidable teams this season. However, Enrique believes the media seems fixated on failures—such as their 0-2 defeat to Arsenal in the group stage last October, midfielder Vitinha’s dip in form, or the team’s vulnerability on set-pieces. “No one talks about the goals or the matches we’ve won. Fine, let’s just talk about the defeats, I don’t mind,” Enrique said with a defiant tone. He emphasized that the team’s morale is very high, even joking that he might be the most unhappy person in the squad.

When asked to elaborate, Enrique clarified that his criticism wasn’t directed at fans or club staff, but specifically at the press’s negative attitude. “Maybe I’m wrong, but I feel the questions from the media are rather negative. Maybe it’s just me who sees it that way,” he said. This highlights Enrique’s sensitivity to media pressure, especially as PSG prepare to face an in-form Arsenal side.

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have become a major threat from set-pieces, scoring more goals from dead-ball situations than any other Premier League team since last season. In contrast, PSG have been one of Ligue 1’s most vulnerable sides from set-pieces, conceding 10 goals this way—accounting for 32% of their total goals conceded, the highest proportion in the league. When asked about Arsenal’s threat, Enrique responded confidently: “We are working on every aspect of the game. Do you think I got my coaching license without being thorough?”

Recalling the defeat to Arsenal more than half a year ago, Enrique insisted that PSG have made significant progress. “That was seven or eight months ago. I’ve reviewed that game. We are a much better team now,” he said. He also acknowledged Arsenal’s strength, especially after they demolished reigning champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals with an aggregate score of 5-1 and remained unbeaten at home in the Champions League this season. However, Enrique emphasized that PSG have been toughened by a challenging group stage, which has made them stronger and more complete.

Both Arsenal and PSG are eager to win their first-ever Champions League trophy. Enrique admitted that the goal is not easy, but he refused to see it as pressure. “We are ambitious, not under pressure. When we talk about making history, we want to do something that has never been done before,” he shared. Even if PSG haven’t always performed brilliantly, Enrique believes that’s normal in football.

The upcoming match is expected to be fiercely competitive, with both teams sharing the same goal and similar strength. “They are one of the best teams in Europe, with a coach who has done an excellent job for years,” Enrique said of Arsenal. Nonetheless, he maintained unwavering belief in his own team: “I love my team the most—that’s why I’m here.”