Wenger's Verdict: Arsenal Must Win to Beat PSG

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger shares his insight on the Gunners' crucial Champions League clash against Paris Saint-

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his old club faces a significant challenge against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. PSG secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg, thanks to Ousmane Dembele's early goal, and now aim to defend their lead at home.

Wenger noted that Arsenal's task is clear: they must win to keep their Champions League hopes alive under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners' manager chose not to rest key players against Bournemouth, indicating his determination to push for a positive result against PSG. Wenger, who narrowly missed winning the Champions League during his tenure, shared his insights on the obstacle Arsenal must overcome to reach the final.

“What is interesting in the Champions League, when you go away and home, is that every time before you start the game in the second leg, you have a mental problem to resolve.”

🗣️ "They should qualify automatically for the Europa League again, not necessarily for the Champions League. Especially when you're in a league where five teams qualify..."

Arsene Wenger on the prize of Champions League football for winning the Europa League 👀#MUFC #Spurs pic.twitter.com/Fm4yUqg4KI

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) May 4, 2025

“The advantage for Arsenal is that the mental problem is easy. They have to go and play and win. 

“The mental problem for PSG is: do we play to win this game, or do we play to protect our advantage and get them playing on the counter-attack, knowing you have to be very clear in your message to the team?”

🇪🇺🏆 Arsene Wenger on the Europa League winners getting qualification to the Champions League...

"They should qualify automatically for the Europa League again, not necessarily for the Champions League. Especially when you're in a league where five teams qualify." (beIN) pic.twitter.com/vXcYsgASNP

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“As well, knowing that not everybody in the team will necessarily be aligned with you, because if they decide to protect their advantage, it’s a little bit against the DNA of the team. 

“So Luis Enrique has already come out and said they have another game to win, and I believe, with the final in mind and you playing at home, it will be very difficult to have a passive attitude.”

Arsenal holds a positive historical reference against PSG, having defeated them 2-0 in the league phase of the Champions League in October. This win gives them confidence as they look to repeat that performance against the Ligue 1 champions.

PSG's Ousmane Dembele was absent for the previous match, and there's uncertainty about his availability again due to hamstring tightness, although he has resumed training. This potential absence could impact PSG's attacking prowess as Arsenal seeks to exploit any weaknesses.