Steven Gerrard has heaped praise on Paris Saint-Germain, declaring that the French champions could dominate European football for years to come after booking their spot in yet another Champions League final.
PSG battled past Bayern Munich with a 6-5 aggregate victory on Wednesday night, setting up a mouthwatering showdown with Arsenal in Budapest later this month. The draw in Munich was enough to secure their place in a second consecutive final, as Luis Enrique's men aim to become only the second team in the Champions League era to successfully defend the trophy.
Speaking to TNT Sports, the Liverpool legend was full of admiration for the transformation he's witnessed at the Parc des Princes. "Incredible," Gerrard said when asked about Enrique's work. "A couple of years back he had a lot of star names in his team, a lot of prima donnas—I say that respectfully. Egos, players that don't really want to roll their sleeves up and run hard for the team. They only really want to play in possession."
Gerrard highlighted how Enrique has shifted the club's philosophy away from relying on superstar signings, instead building a squad rooted in collective effort and discipline. "This guy doesn't have it. He pushed them all aside, he brought a load of young players through, he recruited extremely well. He's built a team on a lot of real good principles and values."
The former midfielder's assessment is a ringing endorsement of PSG's evolution into a well-oiled machine, one that works tirelessly for each other. "This team could potentially dominate for years to come—they're that good," he added, suggesting the Parisians have the foundation to remain Europe's top force across multiple seasons.
But Gerrard didn't count out Arsenal just yet. Drawing on his own experience as a Champions League winner with Liverpool in 2005—when his side pulled off a stunning comeback against AC Milan—he warned that the Gunners have a real chance if they bring their A-game. "I know more than anyone else that an underdog can win this final. When we won with Liverpool against AC Milan, it was a mismatch."
He urged Mikel Arteta's squad to lean into their strengths. "Arsenal will play against a high-quality team, against an elite manager. Every player will have to be on the top of their game. They have to use their physicality, size, and take PSG where they don't want to go—but they certainly have a chance."
For fans watching at home, this final promises to be a clash of styles: PSG's fluid, principled teamwork versus Arsenal's physical, determined approach. And if Gerrard's predictions hold true, we might be witnessing the start of a new European dynasty in Paris.
