Luis Enrique explains Dembélé’s absence
Coach left one of the most in-form players out of Champions League game
PSG coach Luis Enrique has explained why he is not taking Ousmane Dembélé to London to face Arsenal on matchday two of the Champions League .
“If there is someone who does not respect the collective obligations and is not ready… It is an important week, an important game and I want the players in the best possible conditions. He is on the sidelines and I only look at what is best for the team”, began the Spaniard, who did not shy away from the decisions he makes: “Do you think it is just a matter of pressing a button and creating a team? There are difficult circumstances, difficult decisions. I am 100% committed to my decisions, completely sure of them. They are not irreversible. I signed with PSG to create a team with an identity, that plays football. Was I hired to win titles and the Champions League ? Not at all, I was hired to do the best I can. I am creating a team and I am counting on Dembélé too.”
Despite this absence, Luis Enrique guarantees that there is no problem with the player: «There is no incompatibility, that is completely false. There is a problem with the player’s commitment to the team, but it is not a problem between the player and the coach», concluded the Spaniard. Achraf Hakimi , the Parisians’ right-back, guaranteed that «other players can take over» the French winger’s role.
Arteta, «one of the best coaches in the world»
The PSG coach was asked to comment on the current situation of his compatriot Mikel Arteta, Arsenal ‘s coach , with whom Luis Enrique played at Barcelona . The leader of the Parisian coaching staff had no problem praising his opponent, both in terms of sport and humanity. “I have fond memories of him as a colleague. We haven’t played against each other since we started training. Even if it’s just five minutes before the game, I’d like to speak to him. He’s one of the best coaches in the world, he’s helped Arsenal win titles again,” said Enrique , who also described the Gunners as “one of the best teams in Europe “: “With the ball they’re very close to the top of Europe and without the ball they’re one of the best teams in the world. They’re a team with a real identity.”
