Joao Neves Critiques Arsenal's Passive Play After PSG's Champions League Triumph
In a thrilling Champions League final on Saturday, PSG triumphed over Arsenal in a match that showcased contrasting styles of play. Joao Neves, the standout midfielder for PSG, did not hold back in his criticism of Arsenal's tactics, stating that only his team truly aimed to play football. Neves expressed his joy not just in the victory but in playing alongside his teammates, emphasizing: "It’s not even the victory itself that pleases me, but playing with such teammates, this staff, and this management. Coming here was the best decision I’ve ever made. I love everything here. We deserved it today, because PSG were the only team that wanted to play." He noted that this year's competition was particularly challenging, stating: "This year was different. It was harder, more physical [than last year]. We were European champions, so we defended our title. We’re part of PSG history." Arsenal's performance drew criticism for their passive approach, which frustrated fans throughout the season. Their early goal might have seemed promising, but it led to a defensive strategy that ultimately backfired. When PSG equalized, Mikel Arteta's side struggled to regain momentum, illustrating the pitfalls of negative football on such a grand stage. Amidst the excitement, Vitinha shone in the final, continuing his impressive form from the season. Both Ousmane Dembele and Achraf Hakimi managed to start the match despite earlier concerns about their fitness, contributing to PSG's successful campaign.
Source: PSG Talk - 2026-06-01