Wenger on Arsenal vs PSG: “They Have to Go and Win” — Gunners face Do-or-Die Champions League Second Leg
Legendary former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has delivered a clear message ahead of Arsenal’s crucial UEFA Champions League second-leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain: “They have to go and win.” The Gunners trail 1-0 after the first leg in Paris, courtesy of an early strike by Ousmane Dembélé, and now face a must-win situation to keep their European dream alive.
With Mikel Arteta’s side seeking their first-ever Champions League title, all eyes are on the upcoming return fixture at the Parc des Princes, where both tactics and mentality will be under the spotlight.
Wenger: Arsenal’s Mindset Is an Advantage
Speaking in a media interview, Wenger outlined the psychological dynamics of second-leg Champions League ties:
“What is interesting in the Champions League, when you go away and home, is that every time before you start the second leg, you have a mental problem to resolve,” Wenger explained.
“The advantage for Arsenal is that the mental problem is easy — they have to go and play and win.”
Wenger, who guided Arsenal to the 2006 final but fell short against Barcelona, emphasized the tactical dilemma PSG manager Luis Enrique must now face:
“The mental problem for PSG is: do we play to win this game, or do we protect our advantage and counter-attack?”
“You have to be very clear in your message to the team. Not all players will think the same — some might be inclined to play safe, which can compromise the team’s cohesion.”
Wenger commended Enrique’s stance, referencing the Spaniard’s recent public comments about approaching the return leg with an attacking mindset:
“He said they have another game to win, and I believe, with the final in mind and playing at home, it will be very difficult to have a passive attitude.”
Dembele Doubtful, Arsenal at Full Strength
Ousmane Dembélé, who scored the winner in the first leg, missed PSG’s earlier group-stage loss to Arsenal due to injury and could be sidelined again due to tightness in his right hamstring — despite returning to light training. His absence could be a blow to the Ligue 1 champions, who are aiming to reach another Champions League final.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are expected to field their strongest XI, with Arteta having rested no key players in their recent Premier League win over Bournemouth, signaling full commitment to the European campaign.
Match Preview Snapshot:
- Fixture: PSG vs Arsenal (UEFA Champions League – Second Leg)
- Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris
- First Leg Result: PSG 1-0 Arsenal (Goal: Ousmane Dembélé)
- Kickoff Time: Wed, May 7, 2025, 19:00 UTC
- Key Injury Watch: Dembélé (PSG) – hamstring tightness
- Managerial Insights: Wenger backs Arsenal to “go for the win”
SportsLigue