PSG captain speaks directly about Arsenal's 'dead ball weapon'

PSG is putting all its efforts into getting ready for the Champions League final against Arsenal, where Marquinhos views the defense against set pieces as a game-defining element.

PSG is channeling all its attention into neutralizing Arsenal's most dangerous weapon ahead of the Champions League final in Budapest. Speaking at a recent press conference, captain Marquinhos acknowledged that the Ligue 1 side has spent considerable time training and preparing for set pieces, which are seen as Arsenal's strongest asset this season.

"We have worked very hard. PSG has faced Arsenal quite a few times in recent years. We understand their strengths and know how difficult they are to compete against," Marquinhos stated. The Brazilian center-back also emphasized that big matches can always be turned by a single small moment. That is why PSG is paying special attention to defending dead-ball situations ahead of what is considered the biggest match of the season.

"You never know what will happen in a match. You have to be ready for anything. We have looked back at our games against Liverpool, Bayern, Chelsea… all those teams caused difficulties for PSG. But we found ways to overcome and adapt," Marquinhos added. This statement partly shows that PSG believes the ability to handle details, especially in set pieces, could become the key to deciding the outcome of the final against Arsenal.

Beyond tactical preparation, PSG also enters the match with a significant physical advantage. While Arsenal just concluded their Premier League season with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on May 24, PSG played their last match on May 17. That means Luis Enrique's squad has 13 days of rest before the final, while Arsenal only has 6 days to recover and prepare.

This is not the first time PSG has received maximum support from Ligue 1 for the Champions League this season. Previously, the French side had matches against Nantes and Lens postponed ahead of key clashes with Chelsea and Liverpool. These decisions sparked intense controversy in France, especially as Lens were directly competing for the title with PSG. Nevertheless, the Parisian club made good use of the advantage to successively overcome Chelsea, Liverpool, and then Bayern Munich.

"In a final, the difference lies in the details. You have to know how to attack, defend, counterattack, defend against counterattacks, and handle set pieces at both ends of the pitch. That will be very important, and we have prepared for every detail," Marquinhos emphasized. With Arsenal possessing an extremely dangerous ability to capitalize on dead-ball situations, PSG understands that a single corner kick or free kick could decide the Champions League trophy this season.