Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has responded to recent comments from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, which appeared to suggest that Ligue 1 is a weaker league compared to other top European competitions.
Speaking in a press conference on Friday, the Spanish tactician addressed the remarks made by Arteta, who had hinted that the French top flight lacks the same level of competitiveness as the Premier League or La Liga. Arteta’s comments came ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash against a Ligue 1 side.
“I respect Mikel Arteta a lot as a coach, but I do not agree with his view on Ligue 1,” Enrique said. “Every league has its own identity and difficulty. To say that Ligue 1 is weak is to ignore the quality of the teams and the players here.”
The PSG boss pointed to the depth of talent in the French league, highlighting the performances of clubs like Marseille, Lyon, and Monaco in European competitions. He also noted that several world-class players have emerged from Ligue 1 in recent years.
“Look at the players who have come from this league and succeeded elsewhere,” Enrique continued. “Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and many others. The level of tactical discipline and physicality in Ligue 1 is often underestimated.”
Arteta’s initial remarks, made earlier this week, suggested that the gap between the Premier League and other leagues has widened, with Ligue 1 being mentioned as an example of a less competitive environment. The Arsenal manager did not name PSG directly but implied that teams from France face an easier path domestically.
Enrique, however, dismissed the notion that PSG’s dominance in Ligue 1 diminishes the league’s overall quality. “We work hard every week to win our matches. It is not easy. Every opponent gives us a tough game,” he said.
The exchange comes as both managers prepare for the second half of the 2025-2026 season, with PSG leading Ligue 1 and Arsenal competing at the top of the Premier League. The two clubs could potentially meet in the Champions League knockout stages later this year.
Enrique concluded by urging respect for all leagues. “I prefer to focus on my team and our objectives. We will prove our quality on the pitch, not in press conferences,” he said.
