Luis Enrique couldn't resist a cheeky dig, still labelling Ligue 1 a 'farmers' league' despite his Paris Saint-Germain team's triumph over English opposition. PSG clinched their spot in the Champions League final on Wednesday by confidently dispatching Arsenal.
With a narrow victory secured in North London (1-0), PSG underlined their prowess with a 2-1 triumph back home on Wednesday night. This victory added to PSG's remarkable feat of overcoming each of the Premier League teams they've faced this season in the competition.
Having already toppled Manchester City during the group phase, PSG carved a path through Liverpool, Aston Villa, and now Arsenal in successive knockout rounds. Post-match, Enrique wittily played on the term traditionally meant as a slight towards the French league's perceived inferiority.
During an interview with TNT Sports, he quipped: "It means a lot, everyone is dreaming with getting to the Champions League final. Our first goal when we arrived in Paris was making history and we are in the right path."
Enrique continued with a grin: "The league of farmers, no? We are the league of farmers. But it's nice. We are enjoying the result and the compliments of everybody speaking of our team - we are a young team, our mentality, our character of how we play football. It's nice. I have to congratulate my players because they are great."
Paris Saint-Germain have joined Inter Milan as the unexpected finalists later this month, following the Italian team's thrilling semi-final victory over Barcelona.
Enrique is fully aware of the challenge his team faces in Munich but insists on savouring the moment first: "It's going to be tough but I think they have the same feeling. I think it's going to be an interesting final, very difficult for both teams. Special moment for all of us, also for them," he added.
Enrique expressed his respect for Inter's recent achievements and his plans for preparation: "I think they are getting a second final in the last three years which means that they are a great team but we have time to analyse Inter deep. Now it's time to celebrate and try to enjoy and have some rest."
Before turning their attention to the showdown with Inter, PSG will conclude their Ligue 1 campaign. Having already secured the French title, Enrique's squad will face Montpellier and Auxerre in their remaining league matches.
Additionally, they look forward to a French Cup final against Reims, aiming for an extraordinary treble this season.