Paris Saint-Germain defender Lucas Hernandez has refused to label the French side as favourites ahead of their Champions League final clash with Arsenal, insisting the contest in Budapest will be “50-50”.
The reigning European champions have been widely tipped by many observers to retain their crown after another dominant season under Luis Enrique, but Hernandez believes Arsenal’s Premier League triumph proves exactly why PSG are expecting such a difficult test.
Arsenal secured their first league title in 22 years earlier this week after Manchester City dropped points against Bournemouth, capping what has already been a historic campaign for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Speaking during PSG’s media duties ahead of the final, Hernandez admitted the newly crowned English champions fully deserve their success and warned that the French giants are preparing for a huge battle.
“Talking about favourites in a final is a bit much,” Hernandez said.
“It’s going to be a great final against the English champions and it will be 50-50.”
“We want to continue making history, but Arsenal have had a great season and they deserve to be there.”
The France international also highlighted Arsenal’s different tactical strengths compared to PSG, with Arteta’s side earning huge praise across Europe for both their defensive organisation and threat from set pieces.
PSG full-back Nuno Mendes admitted Arsenal’s physicality from dead-ball situations is one of the key areas the French side have been studying ahead of the final.
“They use set pieces very well,” Mendes explained.
“We do not have many players with that kind of height, so it is something we have to pay attention to.”
Luis Enrique also used the occasion to praise Arsenal’s development under Arteta, describing the Gunners as one of the best defensive teams in world football.
The Spaniard believes Arsenal’s mentality shift over the past few years has been central to their rise back to the top of English football.
“They deserved to win the Premier League after a very good season,” Luis Enrique said.
“With and without the ball they are one of the best teams in the world.”
“It is Mikel Arteta who has brought this winning mentality to Arsenal and they have improved year after year.”
The two clubs last faced each other during last season’s Champions League semi-finals, when PSG edged Arsenal across two tense encounters to book their place in the final before eventually lifting the trophy.
That backdrop only adds further intrigue to this year’s meeting in Budapest, with Arsenal now seeking revenge while also attempting to complete a remarkable double after ending their long wait for Premier League glory.