“Arsenal will be knocked out unless Arteta do this — Barcelona coach Hansi Flick names one thing Arsenal must do to avoid being knocked out by PSG”

In the build-up to Arsenal’s crucial Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has stirred the conversation with a pointed piece of advice for Mikel Arteta. Speaking during his recent press conference ahead of Barcelona’s La Liga fixture, Flick was asked about Arsenal’s chances of progressing past the French champions, and the German tactician didn’t hold back in his assessment.

Flick’s Tactical Warning

Hansi Flick, known for his tactical sharpness and European pedigree, issued a clear warning to Arteta and Arsenal fans: “If Arsenal don’t fix their defensive transitions, they will be knocked out. It’s that simple,” Flick declared.

The Barcelona boss highlighted how PSG’s lightning-fast counter-attacks, led by Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, have the potential to punish any side that leaves space in behind — a flaw Arsenal have shown in big matches this season.

“They have fantastic ball possession and a lot of creativity in attack,” Flick continued, “but against a team like PSG, you must be extremely compact when you lose the ball. If you give space to players like Mbappé, it’s over in seconds.”

One Key Thing Arsenal Must Do

When pressed to name the one thing Arsenal must prioritize, Flick was firm: “Control the spaces. Arsenal’s fullbacks push very high, and if they don’t have cover, PSG will hurt them. Arteta must adjust his shape when in possession or risk getting punished on the break.”

He added that discipline in midfield and a dedicated holding player screening the defense will be crucial for Arsenal’s survival at this stage of the competition.

Arteta’s Response Expected

While Mikel Arteta hasn’t publicly responded to Flick’s comments yet, insiders at Arsenal suggest the coaching staff is well aware of the threat posed by PSG’s front line. The big question remains: will Arteta tweak his high-risk, possession-based system, or will he trust his philosophy and hope it stands up against PSG’s counter-attacking power?

A Tactical Battle Ahead

With the tie finely poised, all eyes will be on how Arsenal approach this encounter. Will Flick’s warning prove prophetic, or will Arteta’s men defy expectations and secure a famous win?