Mikel Arteta hails Luis Enrique as 'example for everyone' before Champions League final

Ahead of the Champions League final, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised his opposite number, PSG coach Luis Enrique. The pair share a history from their time together at Barcelona, where Arteta was a rising youth prospect and Enrique was a veteran leader.

I remember him with great affection because of how he was with the young boys and what he was as a player. As a coach, he is someone who has had the leadership to go one way and, with all the noise against him, continue that way and end up winning the way he has done. He is an example for everyone. Mikel Arteta

Addressing the tactical rotation of Martin Zubimendi, who has spent the last four matches on the bench, Arteta defended the midfielder’s debut campaign at the club. The manager explained that the decision to bench the player was a calculated tactical breather designed to keep the squad sharp for the final showdown.

Arteta also spoke openly about the emotional demands of elite management, crediting his wife for maintaining stability in his life. Furthermore, he expressed pride in his players selected for the Spain national team, stating his total confidence in their ability to adapt to any tactical role required on the international stage.