“I know we’re already in trouble since Arteta confirmed he’s going to start in the second leg”: Vitinha names the only Arsenal player they’re all scared ahead of their second leg clash against the Gunners
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha has made a candid admission ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League return leg against Arsenal, singling out the one player the entire PSG squad is wary of as they prepare for the decisive clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking to the press earlier today, the Portuguese international didn’t shy away from expressing the growing tension in the PSG dressing room following Mikel Arteta’s latest team news.
“I know we’re already in trouble since Arteta confirmed he’s going to start in the second leg,” Vitinha confessed. “There’s one player in their team we’re all scared of.”
Though Vitinha chose not to directly name the player during the opening moments of the press conference, it quickly became clear through his later comments and the murmurs around the room that the man in question is none other than Bukayo Saka.
The England international has been in sensational form this season, playing a pivotal role in Arsenal’s domestic and European campaigns. Having missed the first leg in Paris due to a minor knock, Arteta confirmed in his pre-match briefing that Saka is fully fit and will start on the right flank next week — news that has seemingly rattled PSG’s preparations.
Vitinha elaborated on the challenges Saka presents:
“We’ve watched his clips, we’ve faced him before, and we know exactly what he can do. He’s unpredictable, fast, clever on the ball, and his decision-making in the final third is top level. When a player like that is back in a knockout game, it changes everything.”
The midfielder stressed the importance of staying composed and sticking to PSG’s game plan despite the looming threat posed by the Arsenal star.
“We can’t let one player dictate our mentality, but we have to be honest — he’s a problem. Every team in Europe is struggling to stop him right now,” Vitinha added.
PSG manager Luis Enrique, when asked about Saka’s confirmed return, acknowledged the danger but maintained confidence in his side’s ability to handle the situation.
“He’s a fantastic player, no doubt,” Enrique said. “But we’ll have our strategy ready. This is the Champions League — big nights are for big players, and I trust mine.”
The build-up to next week’s clash has intensified as both sides look to book their place in the Champions League semi-finals. With Saka now set to feature from the start, Arsenal fans will be hopeful of capitalizing on the psychological edge his return seems to have already created.
One thing is certain: all eyes will be on Bukayo Saka at the Emirates.