Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta Gives Honest Reaction to PSG Dropping Ousmane Dembélé from UCL Clash
Arsenal is gearing up for a highly anticipated Champions League showdown against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. The Gunners will be aiming for another crucial three points, but the French club’s recent decision to leave star forward Ousmane Dembélé out of the squad has become a hot topic ahead of the match.
PSG manager Luis Enrique made waves on Monday by announcing that Dembélé, who has been in scintillating form this season, would not be traveling to North London. The 27-year-old winger has been a pivotal part of PSG’s attack, racking up four goals and four assists in just seven appearances across all competitions. His exclusion from the squad is seen as a major blow to the French giants, who will now have to rely on other attacking options to fill the void.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was caught off guard by the news, admitting in his pre-match press conference that he had only just learned of Dembélé’s absence. “Well, I didn’t know, I just heard the news before the press conference so yeah it was a surprise,” Arteta confessed when asked about the development.
Arteta went on to explain that his team had meticulously prepared for PSG with Dembélé in mind, given the winger’s ability to turn games on their head with his creativity and flair. “I don’t know what happened but we’ve already done a lot of preparation for PSG and obviously with Dembélé in it because he’s a key player for PSG but they have many other options,” he remarked.
The Arsenal boss was quick to acknowledge Dembélé’s unpredictability, a trait that has made the French international a formidable opponent on the European stage. “Dembélé has the ability to do something unexpected on the pitch, to create his magic moments. We’re going to prepare like we always do with every possibility and let’s see,” Arteta added.
Despite Dembélé’s absence, Arsenal will need to be at their best as they face a PSG side packed with talent. With two consecutive wins against Bolton Wanderers and Leicester City last week, the Gunners will look to carry that momentum into this crucial Champions League clash.
Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta Gives Honest Reaction to PSG Dropping Ousmane Dembélé from UCL Clash