PSG trip to Arsenal for the first stage of their Champions League semi-final next Tuesday, but there are concern about star attacker Ousmane Dembele after his side was held a draw of Nantes
Luis Enrique has swallowed suggestions that Ousmane Dembele is being frustrated, with less than a week before PSG travel to Arsenal for their semi -final of the Champions League. Dembele has been an important player in the Run from the French side to the last four.
He scored 32 goals and achieved 11 assists in all competitions, where PSG also runs away with the Ligue 1 title. After being crowned champions, their full focus is on finally realizing their dream of winning the European Cup.
First, however, they will have to pass Arsenal, which will give a strict test. In their penultimate game for the first stage at the Emirates, PSG was held on Tuesday evening to a 1-1 draw by Nantes.
Dembele started the game in Stade de la Beaujoire, but was strayed just after the hour. The Frenchman could not score, with only one shot on goal and only two details in the Nantes box during his time on the field.
It is the fourth consecutive match in which Dembele has drawn a blank, stuffy concern from some circles about his form that collides with Arsenal. But Boss Enrique has now rejected all the suggestions that he is worried about his star man.
“My goal as a coach is that my players are at their best.” Said Enrique. “Sometimes you come up with stories, ask Ousmane. Everyone manages his emotions as well as possible, as well as they know how and as well they want.
“Whether a player is more or less frustrated after a match, I don't care. It is always difficult to play away from home, especially in a stadium like here in Nantes, with a great atmosphere.
“We are happy, but at the same time we have made a few mistakes and have benefited Nantes to score their goal. Ultimately it is a draw and we have to continue. We have to rest now and concentrate on Friday, because that will be a completely different game.”
Enrique admitted that he expects a difficult test over both legs of the semi -final. PSG has defeated Brest, Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockouts to reach this point and his eyes are firmly set to reach the final.
“It is a real source of pride to be in the semi -final again; it shows that the team is consistent and consistent. We want to complete the championship undefeated, what a motivation is, even if it will be difficult,” he said last week.
“It is not an advantage (to play an English club again). There can be a common pattern among English teams. We have already played Arsenal at the start of the season. We know who we should eliminate. They are one of the best teams in Europe.
“They have developed very well under Arteta, they perform very well. The goal has not yet been achieved. Since we arrived, the goal is to write history. To write history, you have to win everything, especially the trophy that you all know.
“We will all give ourselves to achieve this result. What is important to me is the way to achieve this goal. That depends on us. One of the team's strengths is this ability to be competitive, regardless of the opponent. I have totally confidence in the team, regardless of which player is chosen.”