Arsene Wenger has revealed his prediction for the Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, backing his former club to secure their first-ever European crown.
Wenger's Prediction: Arsenal Edge PSG
The legendary former Arsenal manager believes the final is a 'fifty-fifty' contest but narrowly favors the Premier League champions. 'I want this trophy to go to the Emirates because it's missing there,' Wenger told UEFA. 'We touched it before – we were thirteen minutes away from winning it – so you want it to happen this time.'
Arsenal lifted their first Premier League title since 2004 over the weekend, pipping Manchester City to a long-awaited domestic crown. PSG, meanwhile, secured another Ligue 1 title weeks ago and are aiming to retain their Champions League trophy. The mouth-watering European final takes place in Budapest on Saturday.
Wenger's Confidence in Arsenal
'Overall, I believe this is a stage where we can grab it,' Wenger said. 'I still believe it's fifty-fifty in the final, and if I had to bet, I would bet on Arsenal more than on Paris Saint-Germain. I feel the club deserves it, this season deserves it, and the consistency of the team deserves it.'
Wenger, who managed Arsenal for 22 years, highlighted the team's defensive solidity as a key asset. 'This Arsenal team's main strength is their ability to keep a clean sheet, and in a final that is very important. Then you have to be efficient. Your moment will come in the game and you have to be ruthless.'
Advice for Mikel Arteta
Asked if he had a message for current Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, Wenger said: 'Do what you usually do and try to be relaxed, even though I know that's impossible. Instil strong belief in your team. He knows how to do that. He knows the players better than I do. Keep the togetherness the team has shown all season and that will be enough.'
Wenger also warned of PSG's attacking threat but noted Arsenal's strength on set pieces. 'PSG have huge attacking potential, but Arsenal also have individual quality and are very strong on set pieces, which can have a huge influence in a final. Once you are 1-0 up, everything starts to play to your strengths when you are strong defensively. Arsenal can always be dangerous.'
The match marks Arsenal's first Champions League final in 20 years, and Wenger believes the time has come for the club to dominate both domestically and in Europe.
