Luis Enrique has once again shown that he does not hesitate to make tough decisions, no matter how difficult they may seem. This time, the Asturian coach has decided to sideline one of his key players in the attacking line for the UEFA Champions League clash against Arsenal, seemingly for disciplinary reasons.
In this instance, the player in question is Ousmane Dembélé. The talented right winger was left out of the Parisian squad for the match against the 'Gunners' for reasons that 'Lucho' explained in the press conference before the French-English encounter: "Yesterday, I had to make a difficult decision, but I believe it's the best for the team. I would do it 100 times over. That doesn't mean it's irreversible or irrevocable. I signed with PSG to build a team and I will build a team with identity, courage, daring, that tries to play good football," he began.
"I am very honest, but I won't turn this into a soap opera. There hasn't been an argument between the player and me, nor is there a problem between us. There's only a problem between a player and his obligations to the team, nothing more, but it can be resolved in five minutes," he concluded.
The apparent reason why 'Lucho' would have sidelined the 'Mosquito' from PSG's dynamics
This exclusion, as suggested by the French media outlet L'Équipe, allegedly came after Dembélé and Luis Enrique, following the last Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes, reportedly had a verbal dispute in the locker room, related to the 'Mosquito' allegedly not following the Asturian's tactical instructions and displaying certain attitudes towards his former team. A clash where Ousmane purportedly played with excessive individualism in several instances.
In particular, the source highlights an incident in the 18th minute where Dembélé could have set up Achraf Hakimi from the right flank, as he was in a better goal-scoring position in what was a lethal counterattack; however, 'Dembouz' chose to go for an individual play and ultimately shot with his right foot, which was the most difficult option and the shot went wide. An action that, as seen in the match broadcast, didn't sit well with Luis Enrique, who expressed his clear displeasure at the outcome of a play that could have meant 1-0 for PSG at that moment.
Who will replace Ousmane Dembélé in the match against the 'Gunners'?
Now, it remains to be seen how Luis Enrique will reorganize his offense for this high-stakes clash against Arsenal. It's worth noting that regardless of the disciplinary incident, and that this decision clearly sets a precedent showcasing 'Lucho's' ability to make tough decisions, the Parisian side is losing a player who currently stands as their second top scorer with four goals.
Additionally, Ousmane Dembélé also features as the team's second-best assist provider with four assists. However, if there's one thing Luis Enrique has, it's alternatives to reinforce the right wing, as he has Ibrahim Mbaye, Randal Kolo Muani, Kang-in Lee, and even Bradley Barcola who can play in that position, among others.