Luis Enrique eyes more Champions League crowns: ‘I can do four’ after PSG win

Paris Saint-Germain made history in Budapest by beating Arsenal on penalties to retain their UEFA Champions League crown. Luis Enrique’s side held their nerve in a thrilling final at the Pusks Arena to complete the European triumphs.

Only a select group of clubs managed consecutively A Champions League or European Cup win underlines the extent of PSG’s success on the continental stage.

Enrique now joins the elite list of managers with three Champions League titles, alongside Zinedine Zidane, Pep Guardiola and Bob Paisley, and sits behind only Carlo Ancelotti who has five.

So when the stat came up on TNT Sports’ post-match show, Enrique was quick to respond: “Only three? I have to improve!”

That prompted Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, standing next to him, to question whether he can match Caro Ancelotti’s record five Champions League appearances with the team.

“I can say four,” Enrique replied with a big smile on his face, which made Gerard and the other participants laugh.

“They scored a lucky move… it was pressure for them after that!”

Luis Enrique reacts to Arsenal’s defeat in the UEFA Champions League final

TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/TiiHv8vMfX— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 30, 2026

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi praised the Spaniard’s influence and indicated confidence in keeping him at the club, with contract talks continuing beyond his current contract which runs until the end of next season.

“He’s the best coach, I can’t answer the question but I’m really sure,” Al-Khelaifi said. “It’s all about the project and he’s the best one for the project. He’s very, very special, as a coach, as a human being, as a person, he’s fantastic. He’s the best coach in the world. He’s done amazing with the team. With a young team, you know the story. I’d also like to thank the PSG players. This is also for them. They all gave to this project.”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also paid tribute after the final, acknowledging PSG’s dominance despite his side’s disappointment at missing out on European glory once again.

“I want to congratulate PSG, especially Luis (Enrique, the coach) because in my opinion they are the best in the world,” Arteta told reporters in Budapest, as quoted by Yahoo Sports. PSG celebrate their Champions League crown in Budapest (Photo Reuters)

AN ICONIC NIGHT IN BUDAPEST

Paris Saint-Germain successfully defended their UEFA Champions League crown beat Arsenal 4-3 on penalties on Saturday evening 30 May after a thrilling 1-1 draw at the Pusks Arena. The French champions retained their place on the throne of European football, while Arsenal were left with only the Premier League title to celebrate, their dream of finally becoming European champions further delayed.

Kai Havertz opened the scoring in the sixth minute of the close-fought opener as Ousmane Dembele equalized from the penalty spot midway through the second half.

PSG were without Vitinha, Khvich Kvaratskhelia, Dembele or captain Marquinhos for the shootout, but Eberechi Eze and then Gabriel missed out on becoming the first team since Real Madrid to win back-to-back European crowns between 2016 and 2018.

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Published on:

May 31, 2026 12:01 PM IST