Wenger’s Prediction: Arsenal’s Task Easier Than PSG’s!
Arsène Wenger says Arsenal’s psychological advantage will help them against Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal lost 1-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal at the Emirates Stadium last week, setting up a tough return leg at Parc des Princes.
Despite the French team’s home advantage, Wenger, Arsenal’s former manager, believes that Mikel Arteta’s squad needing to win simplifies their approach, while PSG faces a “mental dilemma” in deciding their game plan.
Wenger told BeIN Sports: “The interesting thing about the Champions League is that in two-legged ties, there’s always a specific mental challenge before the second leg begins.
Arsenal’s advantage is that their mental challenge is straightforward—they must go out, play, and win. But PSG’s mental challenge is whether they should play to win or protect their lead and allow Arsenal possession to counterattack. In that case, the message to the team must be very clear.
You must also realize that not all players will agree with this decision because if you choose to protect the lead, it goes slightly against the team’s DNA. Luis Enrique has previously said, ‘We have another game to win,’ and I believe when you have the final in mind and play at home, adopting a passive approach will be very difficult.”