Unai Emery Crowns PSG as the Best Team in the World Ahead of UEFA Champions League Final

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has sparked excitement with his bold claim that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is currently the best team in the world. This statement comes as two of his former teams, PSG and Arsenal, prepare to face off in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday night.

Emery's tenure at PSG from 2016 to 2018 was marked by significant success, and his praise for the French powerhouse is not entirely unexpected. The club's current status as the reigning European champions and their favorited position going into the UCL final in Budapest justify Emery's enthusiasm. In an interview with L'Équipe, Emery lauded his compatriot, Mikel Arteta, for the impressive work done at Arsenal since taking over the helm at the Emirates Stadium.

“Arsenal are progressing more and more […] this year has been their best performance. To compete in the Champions League and the Premier League, as they have done, is very difficult,” Emery said, acknowledging the challenges of juggling multiple high-stakes competitions. His admiration for Arteta's achievements is clear, yet his assertion that PSG stands above the rest, including Arsenal, underlines his belief in the French club's superiority.

The Premier League, known for its intense competition and high level of play, presents unique challenges for teams vying for top spots. Emery noted, “The Premier League is the most difficult league in the world. There are the best managers, the best teams, the best players… so winning the league title and managing at the same time to get to the Champions League final is really good. Arsenal and PSG have shown that they are the two best teams in the world this year.” Despite this recognition of Arsenal's accomplishments, Emery's affinity for PSG and its current manager, Luis Enrique, is palpable.

Emery's praise for Luis Enrique, who has led PSG to consecutive Champions League finals, highlights the strategic and tactical prowess of the Spanish manager. “Today, they are the best club in the world, the best team, the one that produces the best collective performance, with the best manager (Luis Enrique), even if, of course, there are lots of other great managers.” This endorsement not only reflects Emery's respect for Enrique's coaching abilities but also underscores PSG's dominance in European football.

As the UEFA Champions League final approaches, the anticipation and speculation surrounding the matchup between PSG and Arsenal have reached a fever pitch. The clash between these two football giants, both with a rich history of success and a penchant for dramatic performances, promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. Emery's assertion that PSG is the best team in the world sets the stage for what could be a defining moment in the club's history, should they emerge victorious.

For Aston Villa, under Emery's guidance, the prospect of returning to UCL football next season offers a promising horizon. Emery's experience and insight into the workings of top-tier clubs like PSG and Arsenal will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the team's strategy and ambitions. As the football world turns its attention to the Champions League final, Emery's comments serve as a reminder of the high stakes and the prestige associated with competing at the pinnacle of European football.