Paris St-Germain head coach Luis Enrique believes Arsenal is the best team in Europe without the ball......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
Enrique made the claim during his press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with the Gunners at the Emirates stadium.
The Spaniard also described Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as one of the best coaches on the market at the moment.
Enrique played a season alongside Arteta as a player at Barcelona and believes his opposite number has transformed the fortunes of Arsenal.
“He [Arteta] was a very young player, but he was in the first-team squad,” Enrique said (via BBC Sport).
“He has had a great start to his coaching career and it will be a great pleasure to chat to him tomorrow, even if it is just for five minutes before the start of the game.
“He is one of the best coaches on the market at the moment. He changed Arsenal’s fortunes from a somewhat winless streak to one of the best teams in the world that is competing for titles.
“I would go as far as to say they are the best team in Europe playing without the ball. He is a great coach and a great person.”
Enrique also confirmed Ousmane Dembele was axed from his squad for Tuesday’s game, hinting at a disagreement between the pair.
“If someone doesn’t comply or respect the expectations of the team, it means they are not prepared to play,” he said.