As Paris Saint-Germain prepares for their much-anticipated Champions League clash against Arsenal, PSG coach Luis Enrique has addressed the swirling rumors of a supposed rift with star winger Ousmane Dembélé. Speaking to the media ahead of the game, the former Barcelona manager downplayed any notion of tension between him and the French international, firmly stating that no personal conflict existed.
“I am not going to make a soap opera out of it,” Enrique said when questioned about the rumors. “There was no argument between the player and me. There was a problem with the player’s responsibility to the team. Nothing else.”
While Enrique sought to calm speculation, Dembélé’s absence from PSG’s traveling squad to London has fueled further discussion. The winger’s exclusion from the squad raises eyebrows, especially as PSG faces an Arsenal side that is statistically superior going into the match. Arsenal has the advantage historically, having played five matches against PSG since 1994. In those encounters, Arsenal has won three, with the remaining two ending in draws.
The Gunners, led by manager Mikel Arteta, will be looking to extend their dominance over PSG. They head into this fixture in excellent form and will seek to capitalize on PSG’s recent instability, especially with one of their key players missing. Arsenal’s attacking prowess and home advantage make them favorites to win, as PSG grapples with internal issues and injuries.
Despite the off-field distractions, Enrique remains focused on the task at hand. “We know we are playing against one of the best teams in the world. No matter who’s on the field, our ideas and dynamics remain the same. I have full confidence in my players and truly believe in them. We aim to create our style of play, and that’s something I’ve been working on since day one.” he said.
As both teams gear up for what promises to be an intense battle, the focus will undoubtedly shift to the tactical duel between Arteta and Enrique. However, Dembélé’s absence and the coach’s comments have added another layer of intrigue to the match, leaving fans wondering whether PSG will rise above the noise or crumble under pressure.