In a surprising turn of events, Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele has been omitted from the squad for their crucial UEFA Champions League encounter against Arsenal on Tuesday.
PSG coach Luis Enrique revealed that the 27-year-old winger was left out due to disciplinary reasons, following reports of a heated exchange between the player and the manager after the team’s 3-1 victory over Rennes last Friday.
Dembele, one of PSG’s standout performers this season, had featured prominently in the team’s successful Champions League campaign so far, including their recent win against Girona.
However, his absence for the high-stakes clash at the Emirates Stadium has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about the nature of his relationship with the manager.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference in London on Monday, Luis Enrique clarified the decision to drop Dembele, emphasizing that it was based on his failure to meet the team’s expectations.
“A Team Decision”
“If someone doesn’t comply or respect the expectations of the team, it means they are not prepared to play,” Luis Enrique said bluntly.
“The match tomorrow is very important, and I want all my players to be ready, so as a consequence, I have left him (Dembele) out. I want the best for my team, and that is my job.”
While the coach did not delve into the specifics of the altercation, reports in the French media suggest that Dembele had a tense exchange with Luis Enrique after being substituted late in the match against Rennes.
Despite Dembele’s form, which includes four goals and four assists in just six league appearances this season, the coach’s decision reflects a firm stance on discipline and teamwork.
Luis Enrique, who took charge of PSG in the summer, has been tasked with instilling a strong sense of identity and character within the squad.
His decision to leave one of the team’s key players out of a marquee Champions League fixture underscores his commitment to maintaining order within the dressing room.
“Not Irreversible”
The former Spain and Barcelona coach, known for his no-nonsense approach, stressed that the decision was not permanent but made in the best interest of the team.
“This doesn’t mean it’s irreversible, but I took the best decision for the team, and that is why I signed here — to create a team that has a strong identity and a lot of character,” Luis Enrique explained. “I am 100 percent sure of my decision.”
When pressed by reporters about the nature of his disagreement with Dembele, the manager dismissed rumors of any ongoing conflict.
“I am very honest, and I will be honest, but I am not going to create a soap opera out of this,” he said. “There are no problems between us. That is completely false. This is simply about the responsibilities of the player.”
Luis Enrique’s handling of the situation highlights his desire to focus on team cohesion and professionalism as PSG navigates a challenging group stage in the Champions League.
Barcola to Step Up
With Dembele absent, PSG will rely more heavily on forward Bradley Barcola, who has been in excellent form this season.
The 21-year-old is the leading scorer in Ligue 1 with six goals, two of which came in the victory against Rennes that sparked the controversy surrounding Dembele’s substitution.
Barcola’s emergence as a key player has been one of the highlights of PSG’s season. His pace, finishing ability, and tactical intelligence have made him a crucial asset to the team’s attacking setup. In the absence of Dembele, Barcola will be expected to shoulder more responsibility as PSG look to secure a vital win against Arsenal.
Luis Enrique’s Praise for Arteta
Looking ahead to the match, Luis Enrique took time to praise Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, his former Barcelona teammate. Arteta has overseen a remarkable transformation at Arsenal, turning them into one of Europe’s elite clubs.
“He is one of the best coaches on the market at the moment,” Luis Enrique said of Arteta. “He changed Arsenal’s fortunes from a somewhat winless streak to one of the best teams in the world that is competing for titles. I would go as far as to say they are the best team in Europe playing without the ball. He is a great coach and a great person.”
Arteta’s Arsenal have been in excellent form domestically and in Europe, making Tuesday’s clash a high-stakes encounter for both teams. Arsenal’s dynamic style of play, combined with their resolute defending, will present a stern challenge for PSG, especially without Dembele’s creative flair.
Dembele’s Future at PSG
While Luis Enrique has played down any lasting rift with Dembele, the winger’s future at PSG remains uncertain. With his impressive form this season, the club will be keen to resolve any tensions and reintegrate him into the squad.
However, Luis Enrique’s firm stance on discipline suggests that the player will need to align with the coach’s vision if he is to reclaim his place in the starting lineup.
As PSG prepare for one of their most important matches of the season, all eyes will be on how they cope without one of their star performers.
The decision to drop Dembele may have short-term consequences, but for Luis Enrique, building a unified and disciplined team is the ultimate goal.
For now, PSG’s focus remains on securing a positive result against a formidable Arsenal side, with the hope that Dembele’s absence will not derail their Champions League ambitions.
