Ousmane Dembélé Excluded from PSG Squad for Champions League Match Against Arsenal
– Dembélé excluded from PSG squad for Arsenal match due to unmet team expectations.
– Manager Luis Enrique emphasizes the decision was for the team’s benefit, not a personal conflict.
– Creating a cohesive team requires navigating complex circumstances.
– Enrique remains committed to building a brave and attractive football team at PSG.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been omitted from the squad for the upcoming Champions League match against Arsenal due to his failure to meet team expectations, as explained by manager Luis Enrique on Monday. Reports from French media indicate that a discussion took place between Enrique and Dembélé following PSG’s 3-1 victory over Rennes last Friday, which contributed to this disciplinary decision.
Enrique clarified that there was no conflict between him and Dembélé, emphasizing that his choice was made for the team’s overall benefit. “If someone doesn’t comply with the requirements of the team, it indicates they are not ready,” Enrique stated during a press conference. “In such a crucial week with a significant game approaching, we need every player fully available.”
When questioned about the challenges of excluding a player who has scored four goals in six league matches for such an important European clash, Enrique responded, “Creating a team is not as simple as pressing a button. It involves navigating various circumstances that can be complex. Making this decision was difficult, but I firmly believe it was the right one. I would make it again without hesitation.”
While Enrique refrained from elaborating on the specifics of the situation with Dembélé, he reiterated his commitment to fostering a cohesive team environment. “I won’t turn this into a soap opera. There was no argument; the issue lay with the player’s responsibility to the team, and nothing more,” he asserted. “I joined PSG last season to build a team, and that mission will continue until my last day here. My goal is to create a team that plays brave and attractive football. If I can no longer do that, I will return home.”
PSG began their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Girona, while Arsenal secured a goalless draw away at Atalanta.