Arsenal Host PSG in Historic Semi-Final Clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will have to overcome one of the most influential figures in his footballing career when the Gunners face Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals.

Arteta's side host PSG in the first leg tonight, with the Spaniard aiming to lead Arsenal to only their second Champions League final appearance in their history, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

Standing in his way is a close friend who, along with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, played a major role in his compatriot's impressive transition from the pitch to the bench.

Luis Enrique was a top-flight star at Barcelona when Arteta began his playing career at Camp Nou, a period that had a major influence on his philosophy as a manager at Arsenal.

"He was incredibly supportive of the young players, he was one of the main characters so far. I have really good memories of him," Arteta said, according to KosovaPress. "What I like about him is that wherever he's been, as a player or a coach, his footprints are everywhere. You can feel it's his team with the way his players behave, the way they want to attack and dominate games," he added.

The pupil has beaten his mentor once this season, when Arsenal comfortably beat PSG 2-0 in the league stage at the Emirates in October.

But PSG have improved significantly since then, largely because Luis Enrique's decision not to start Ousmane Dembele against Arsenal for disciplinary reasons has inspired the French striker's excellent form.

The feeling is mutual, with Luis Enrique saying of Arteta: "He is one of the best coaches at the moment."

While Arteta and Luis Enrique will surely share a private moment together after the match, they will put their friendship aside to focus on winning Champions League glory for their clubs.

Arsenal have never won the tournament, losing to Barcelona in the 2006 final, while PSG have a tortured history of late, being defeated by Bayern Munich in their only final in 2020.

Securing the sacred European trophy would make Arteta immortal in north London and remove any doubts about his ability to win major trophies.

The Gunners have gone five years without a trophy since Arteta won the only prize of his reign in the FA Cup.

Arsenal enter the match against PSG emboldened by a 5-1 aggregate defeat to defending champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

However, they have failed in the Premier League, effectively handing the title to Liverpool after a series of lacklustre draws.

In Arteta's defense, Arsenal have been hampered by injuries for most of the season, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus still out.

PSG have already eliminated Liverpool and Aston Villa, setting them up for a hat-trick of English scalps if they get past Arsenal.

In their first Champions League semi-final since losing to Manchester United in 2009, the key for Arsenal could lie in their ability to recreate the feverish atmosphere that destroyed Madrid in the last eight.

"With the home fans supporting us, there should be an electric atmosphere and they will push us forward," said Arsenal striker Leandro Trossard.

Trossard could lead the attack against PSG, with makeshift striker Mikel Merino expected to return to midfield in the absence of the suspended Thomas Partey.

"We want the same thing as last time. The fans were incredible in the home game against Madrid. If we can do that again, it would be great," said Trossard.