Luis Enrique explains huge decision to drop Ousmane Dembele vs Arsenal for Champions League tie

Luis Enrique has explained why he dropped Ousmane Dembele when Arsenal stormed past Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League back in October. The 27-year-old winger was omitted from the matchday squad that travelled to the Emirates Stadium due to disciplinary reasons.

According to French publications RMC Sport and L’Équipe at the time, Enrique and Dembele had an argument following a 3-1 win over Stade Rennes. But, when the PSG boss was later quizzed on the matter by reporters, he insisted that wasn't the case.

"I am not going to make a soap opera out of it, there was no argument between the player and me," said Enrique. "There was a problem with the player's responsibility to the team. Nothing else."

Dembele returned to the starting lineup a few days later when PSG were held to a 1-1 draw by OGC Nice in Ligue 1. He has since helped the Parisians win a record 13th championship title, and the 11th since Qatar Sports Investments bought the club in 2011.

In February, once the dust had settled, Enrique defended his decision to drop Dembele for the Arsenal clash. The former Barcelona boss claimed it was a 'very important' turning point in his tenure at Les Parc des Princes.

"The best thing I did was not play him in London, for which I was strongly criticised," said Enrique. "It is the best decision I have made this year. The rest is all down to him, but what happened in London was very important."

Then, after netting a brace in a 3-0 Champions League knockout round play-off first leg tie against Brest, Enrique described Dembele as a 'PlayStation' footballer. Speaking to TNT Sports, the Spaniard said: "Ousmane is in a huge moment of confidence and he's now like the PlayStation [player] with the light above him!

"But as a whole team we try to defend and attack together, and we are happy with the performance. Since day one here in Paris I've said that I feel lucky to have this group of players and to keep working at a club like Paris."

Dembele has continued to repay Enrique's faith, helping PSG reach the Champions League semi-final. While Arsenal may fear the PSG forward, he's failed to score in each of his last four league games, sparking concern about his form.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the French giant's trip to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, Enrique downplayed any suggestion that he's worried about his talisman. The Spaniard said: "My goal as a coach is for my players to be at their best.

"Sometimes you make up stories, ask Ousmane. Everyone manages their emotions as best they can, as best they know how, and as best they want.

"Whether a player is more or less frustrated after a match, it doesn't matter to me. It's always difficult to play away from home, especially in a stadium like here in Nantes, with a great atmosphere.

"We're happy, but at the same time, we made a few mistakes and Nantes took advantage to score their goal. In the end, it's a draw and we have to keep going. We now we need to rest and focus on Friday, as that will be a completely different match."

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