Paris Saint-Germain backed to defeat Arsenal in Champions League final
Gary Neville has backed defending champions Paris Saint-Germain to defeat Arsenal in this month’s Champions League final and elevate manager Luis Enrique to legendary status.
The French giants are aiming to become only the second team in the modern era to retain the European Cup.
Mikel Arteta’s side stand in their way, though the Premier League club enter the showpiece event as clear underdogs.
The Parisians secured their maiden European title 12 months ago by dismantling Inter Milan 5-0.
They have maintained that electric form during this campaign, eliminating both Liverpool and Bayern Munich to reach another final.
Chasing consecutive European crowns
Enrique now has the opportunity to join an exclusive managerial elite.
Zinedine Zidane remains the only coach to secure successive Champions League trophies over the past 35 years.
Legendary figures such as Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson all failed to achieve the consecutive feat.
Speaking on his podcast, former Manchester United defender Neville insisted the Spanish manager can etch his name into history.
“It feels like the moment for PSG to win it back-to-back and for Luis Enrique to put himself up there with the God-like managers who have done this.”
Arsenal face monumental underdog challenge
The North London club are simultaneously chasing a first domestic league title in 22 years.
However, Neville believes overcoming their French opponents in Europe may be a step too far for the current squad.
“In the Champions League final they need to think about their defensive ability and strength and think how they can over 90 minutes beat a team who are better than them.”
“Because PSG are better than them, you can’t get away from that. PSG are a better team than Arsenal right now and they’ve demonstrated that over the last two seasons.”
Both clubs are pursuing impressive domestic and European doubles this season.
If the PSG boss succeeds, he will emulate the historic back-to-back achievements of Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest and Bob Paisley at Liverpool.
“Winning the Premier League for the first time in 22 years is huge but getting the Champions League as well would be incredible.”
“It feels like the right moment for Arsenal to win the Premier League, it doesn’t quite feel like the right moment for them to win the Champions League.”