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Will Arsenal be the other side in the final?
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has described the first leg of the Champions League semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich as “the best match he has seen in his life”, noting that the difference in fitness levels between players in Europe’s major leagues makes comparisons between the teams “unfair”.
Arteta’s comments came at a press conference on Friday, two days after Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the other semi-final, a match that was described as less exciting than Paris and Bayern, which ended in a 5-4 victory for the French side in Paris.
Bayern Munich vs Paris Saint-Germain is probably the best game I’ve ever seen in terms of the quality of both teams, especially the individual quality of the players. Never seen anything like it before. But when I look at the number of minutes played by these players and their level of fitness, I’m not surprised.
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He added: “The difference between the leagues and the way they compete is huge. We compete in two different worlds, so you can’t compare one part of it without putting it in full context. I don’t think it’s fair.”
Paris Saint-Germain lead the French league by six points, reaching their fifth consecutive title and twelfth in 14 years, while Bayern Munich won the German league title for the thirteenth time in the last 14 seasons. Arsenal, on the other hand, are in a heated battle with Manchester City for the Premier League title, which they have not won since 2004.
Arteta renewed his call for the Premier League to help clubs competing in European competitions with more flexible game schedules, stressing that the pressure of matches affects the technical and physical performance of English teams compared to their continental rivals.
The Spanish coach said. “In order to maintain a high level of competition in Europe, we need support from the schedule of matches. Players need enough rest to give their best.”
Despite next Tuesday’s second leg against Atletico Madrid in north London looming, Arteta insisted his side’s focus is fully on facing Fulham in the Championship on Saturday, noting the players showed great commitment after the first leg.
“The reaction of the players was clear right after the game. now fulham now fulham They realize the importance of every match at this stage. After that we will have plenty of time to prepare to face Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal have the chance to temporarily extend the gap to six points at the top of the league before Manchester City host Everton on Monday night in a race that looks set to go into the final stages of the season.
