In a fiery pre-match press conference ahead of their highly anticipated European clash, Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique sent a clear message about Arsenal’s biggest threat — and it’s not who some might expect.
Speaking to reporters, Enrique confidently backed his side to dominate the Gunners but admitted there’s one player standing in their way.
> “We’ll humiliate them, but only if we’re able to stop him,” the Spanish tactician declared, raising eyebrows in the press room.
The player in question? Martin Ødegaard.
Enrique singled out the Arsenal captain as the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s side, insisting that halting Ødegaard’s influence is the key to unlocking victory.
> “He’s the brain of that team. Everything they do well — every attack, every dangerous moment — it usually starts with him. If we cut him off, Arsenal will lose their rhythm and their confidence. That’s the plan,” Enrique explained.
Ødegaard, who has been in scintillating form this season, has consistently dictated play for the Gunners with his exceptional vision, movement, and passing in tight spaces. The Norwegian international’s ability to link midfield to attack has turned him into one of Europe’s most reliable playmakers.
PSG are expected to assign a dedicated marker to shadow Ødegaard throughout the match, with reports suggesting Manuel Ugarte or Vitinha might be tasked with neutralizing the Arsenal skipper’s creative threat.
This public declaration from Enrique has only added extra fuel to an already fiery fixture, with fans eagerly anticipating whether Ødegaard can rise to the challenge or if PSG will successfully execute their targeted strategy.
As the showdown looms, one thing is certain — Martin Ødegaard will have a spotlight on him, and his performance could very well decide the fate of this blockbuster European tie.