Gunners manager ready for tough Champions League test despite PSG winger’s omission
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness ahead of their Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, despite the French champions’ unexpected decision to leave star winger Ousmane Dembele behind.
Dembele, formerly of Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, was surprisingly omitted from the PSG squad by manager Luis Enrique, reportedly following a heated argument after their 3-1 victory over Rennes last Friday. The 27-year-old, who has played a pivotal role for PSG this season following Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid, had been expected to feature in the London clash.
When asked about Dembele’s absence, Arteta was unfazed. “We just got the news before, I don’t know if it’s true or not, but we’ll prepare for every possible outcome,” he said in a pre-match press conference.
Arteta, who spent the 2001-02 season on loan at PSG from Barcelona during his playing days, reflected on his special connection to the French club, noting the emotional significance of facing them on the European stage.
“They are very special to me,” Arteta said. “They gave me the opportunity to play at a professional level, and I enjoyed every moment—the club, the city, my teammates, the coach. To face them now is obviously very special.”
Despite Dembele’s absence, Arteta knows PSG will be a formidable opponent. He praised their aggressive playing style under Enrique. “They are an exceptional team. They dominate every phase of play, and when they don’t have the ball, they want it back immediately. That’s Luis—wherever he goes, that’s how his teams play.”
Arsenal will host PSG at the Emirates Stadium, with both teams looking to secure an important win in their Champions League campaigns.
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