Paris Saint-Germain intensifies preparations for Arsenal’s set-piece threats ahead of the Champions League final. The two teams face off at Budapest’s Puskas Arena on May 30, with PSG advancing past Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate and Arsenal edging Atletico Madrid 2-1.
Targeted Training for Arsenal’s Corners and Free-Kicks
With the final just over two weeks away, Luis Enrique’s squad drills relentlessly against Mikel Arteta’s side. Recent training footage highlights PSG goalkeepers adopting rugby-style methods to simulate physical challenges from corners and free-kicks.
Arsenal’s set-piece dominance has fueled their Premier League title push and European run. The Gunners aim to exploit these opportunities for their first Champions League trophy. PSG counters aggressively: goalkeepers wield rugby crash pads and engage in shoving drills to mimic physical duels.
Matvei Safonov, who started both legs against Bayern Munich, leads sessions where keepers attempt crosses and shots amid intense contact. This preparation addresses Arsenal’s physical edge, evident in their recent 1-0 win over West Ham United.
Rio Ferdinand Predicts Arsenal Dominance
Former Champions League winner Rio Ferdinand favors Arsenal in the final, emphasizing their set-piece superiority. He points to PSG’s vulnerabilities exposed by Bayern Munich and predicts chaos for the French side.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand stated: “They look uncomfortable at set-pieces. Even Bayern Munich, who aren’t great at set-pieces, made them look uncomfortable, and I’ve seen it many times this season. They’re the best team in the Premier League at set-pieces, and if they get set-pieces, free-kicks, and corners, they are going to cause absolute carnage against that small PSG team.”
He added: “Physically, at set-pieces, PSG cannot compete with Arsenal, and if Arsenal get any type of possession and any type of free-kicks around the box, or even the halfway line, they’re going to cause damage.”
