Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) head coach Luis Enrique praised his team’s mentality after Ousmane Dembele’s early goal sealed a 1-0 win over Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite the crucial win, the Spaniard emphasised that there would be no premature celebrations ahead of the return leg in Paris.
“I think we showed the mentality that we show in every match, and that mentality is a great pleasure for me to see as the coach of Paris Saint-Germain,” Enrique told Canal Plus after the game.
Dembele’s first-half strike was the difference on the night, although substitute Goncalo Ramos nearly doubled the lead with a late effort rattling the crossbar. Arsenal’s Mikel Merino had an equaliser disallowed for offside early in the second half.
“I can’t complain because it was a game with many strong emotions,” Enrique said when asked about Ramos’ missed chance.
“It is difficult to play in that atmosphere, which was incredible. I think the goal early in the game was important for our confidence. I am happy because you can win or lose a game, but the mentality and ambition that our team shows is incredible.”
PSG now need only a draw in the second leg at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, May 7, to secure a place in just their second-ever Champions League final, a year after being knocked out at this same stage by Borussia Dortmund.
