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Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has fired back at critics who label Ligue 1 as the “league of farmers” after leading his team past four Premier League opponents en route to the Champions League final.
WHAT HAPPENED?
PSG secured their place in the UEFA Champions League final with a 2-1 home victory over Arsenal, completing a 3-1 aggregate win. This result marks the fourth consecutive time this season that PSG have defeated Premier League opposition in Europe. Earlier in the campaign, the French champions beat Manchester City 4-2 in the league phase, eliminated Liverpool on penalties in the Round of 16, and overcame Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate in the quarter-finals. After the win over Arsenal, Luis Enrique responded with a cheeky remark: “Well… the league of Farmers, know? We are the league of farmers,” turning common criticism on its head and highlighting his team’s remarkable achievement.
PSG’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RUN AND SEASON CONTEXT
This run is significant for PSG, marking their first Champions League final appearance in five years. Under Luis Enrique, PSG have cemented their dominance domestically, leading Ligue 1 and reclaiming the championship with games to spare. Their unbeaten streak against English sides in UEFA competition has taken the spotlight, as critics have often downplayed the quality of French football in comparison to the Premier League. PSG’s ability to dispatch Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and now Arsenal illustrates their growth under Enrique and the depth of talent in their squad.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR PSG?
PSG’s next challenge is the Champions League final, where they await the winner of the other semi-final tie. In Ligue 1, PSG have already clinched the title and are comfortably ahead at the top. Their focus now shifts entirely to preparing for the European showpiece, as they aim to secure their first-ever Champions League crown. Arsenal, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they return to Premier League action. Currently second in the table, they trail leaders Manchester City by two points with three matches left, and face a tough test against Manchester United in their next fixture, needing to hold off Liverpool, who are just one point behind.
