Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has publicly acknowledged the tactical sophistication of Paris Saint-Germain, citing the French club’s performance during their 2025-2026 Champions League campaign.
Maxifoot reported that the 27-year-old international midfielder expressed his admiration for the reigning European champions following their victory in last season’s final against Arsenal, which was decided by a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
Rice highlighted the influence of PSG manager Luis Enrique, specifically noting the team’s ability to manipulate opponents on the pitch.
The Arsenal player's comments show the respect Paris Saint-Germain has earned from its continental rivals. According to Maxifoot, the Parisian side has earned respect from its competitors due to its collective work ethic and tactical discipline. This recognition follows a season in which the club won high-profile matchups to maintain its status as the top team in European competition.
Rice, who has made four appearances and scored one goal in the Champions League this season, remains visibly impacted by the tactical challenges presented by the Parisian side. While the two clubs met in the 2025-2026 final, the influence of the PSG collective continues to be a point of discussion among top-tier European professionals.
The two clubs remain top contenders in Europe, with PSG holding the edge following their victory in the 2025-2026 Champions League final via a 4-3 penalty shootout.
Declan Rice expressed his admiration for Luis Enrique’s tactical organization, noting how the coach draws opponents into uncomfortable areas of the pitch. Rice credits the manager with a high level of tactical organization, specifically noting how the team forces opponents into disadvantageous areas of the pitch.
According to Rice, the team’s success is driven by a strong collective bond and a high level of connectivity between the players on the field.
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