As anticipation builds for the second leg of Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League semi-final showdown against Paris Saint-Germain, legendary former manager Arsène Wenger has shared his thoughts on the Gunners’ mindset—and why he believes they hold a crucial advantage heading into the decisive clash.
Wenger, who managed Arsenal for over two decades and took the club to a Champions League final in 2006, believes the mental clarity required for knockout football could swing the tie in Arsenal’s favour. Speaking ahead of the blockbuster clash, the Frenchman explained that the second leg of a two-legged tie presents a unique psychological challenge for both teams.
**“Mental clarity is Arsenal’s biggest weapon”**
“What is interesting in the Champions League, when you go away and home, is every time before you start the game in the second leg, you have a mental problem to resolve,” Wenger explained. “The advantage for Arsenal is the mental problem is easy. They have to go and play and win.”
For Mikel Arteta’s side, the task is clear. After suffering a narrow defeat in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners know they must attack and aim to win outright at the Parc des Princes. Wenger believes this singular focus can sharpen a team’s mindset, freeing them from tactical hesitation.
**PSG’s dilemma: defend or attack?**
In contrast, Wenger pointed out that the situation is far more complex for PSG and manager Luis Enrique. “The mental problem for PSG is: do we play to win this game or do we play to protect our advantage and get them playing on the counter-attack?” Wenger said. “You have to be very clear in your message to the team.”
He warned that trying to protect a slender lead could cause internal confusion within PSG’s ranks—particularly given the French side’s attacking DNA. “Not everybody in the team will be necessarily aligned with you because if they decide to protect their advantage, it’s a little bit against the DNA of the team.”
**Luis Enrique’s response crucial**
Luis Enrique has already stated that his team will approach the second leg with the intent to win again, and Wenger believes that commitment to attacking football will be necessary in front of their home fans. “I believe, with the final in mind and you playing at home, it will be very difficult to have a passive attitude.”
**A final within reach**
For Arsenal, this is their first Champions League semi-final since 2009 and a chance to reach the final for only the second time in club history. Wenger’s insight reinforces that mentality—and not just tactics—will be decisive on Wednesday night. With a clear goal and nothing to lose, the Gunners head to Paris with belief, momentum, and now, the backing of one of the club’s greatest minds.