LONDON, OCTOBER 1 – Ousmane Dembele has been left out of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)’s Champions League clash against Arsenal tomorrow morning because he did not “comply or respect the expectations of the team”, coach Luis Enrique said.
It followed French media reports that the 27-year-old winger clashed with Luis Enrique following PSG’s 3-1 win against Rennes on Friday, in which Dembele was sent off.
Dembele has been one of the standout players in the team so far and featured in PSG’s Champions League win against Girona earlier this month.
But Luis Enrique, speaking at the Emirates in London yesterday, said the France international was not part of the squad from Paris.
“If someone does not obey or respect the wishes of the team, it means they are not ready to play,” he said.
“Tomorrow’s game is very important and I want all my players to be ready, so as a result I have left him (Dembele). I want the best for my team and that is my job,” he added.
The former Spain manager said he was 100 percent sure of the decision.
“It doesn’t mean it can’t change, but I take the best decision for the team and that’s why I’m here, to create a team that has a strong identity and has a lot of character,” he added.
Asked to explain the row with Dembele, Luis Enrique replied: “I am very honest and I will always be honest, but I will not make a drama out of this. There is no problem between us. That (news) is completely fake. It’s just about player responsibility.”
Without Dembele who is in top form, and also has four goals and many assists in six league games this season, PSG look set to rely more on Bradley Barcola.
Barcola is the top scorer in the French top flight this season with six goals, two of which came in the win over Rennes.
Meanwhile, Luis Enrique praised Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, also his former team-mate at Barcelona, as one of the best managers in world football.
“He is one of the best trainers in the market right now,” he said. “He changed Arsenal’s fortunes from a winless streak to one of the best teams in the world competing for titles.
“I would say they are the best team in Europe who play without the ball in control. He is a great coach and also a great person,” he added. – AFP
