Dembele available for cracker against Arsenal, Enrique confirms
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has confirmed that Ousmane Dembélé will be available for tomorrow’s decisive Champions League second-leg clash against Arsenal.
Dembélé, who was forced off with an injury during the first leg—where PSG secured a 1-0 win at the Emirates—and subsequently missed Saturday’s loss to Strasbourg, has now returned to full training and is fit for selection.
“He’s been training with the group for two days. I have him at my disposal tomorrow,” Enrique has said.
Enrique praised Arsenal’s coach, saying: “I have known Mikel Arteta since he was a young player; he had a strong personality, and today he is a great coach. I wish him success, but not in this match.”
Enrique talked about the progress the team has made under his leadership: “The first season is always for evaluation, while the second season is for real building. We are now on an upward path, and we will continue to develop the team.”
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He added: “Success does not depend on just one line, whether it’s attack or defense, but rather it is the result of teamwork and tactical discipline.”
Enrique expressed pride in the praise his team receives, saying: “It’s great to hear praise for our style of play from outside the club’s supporters; this reflects the exceptional collective performance we provide.”
He also touched on the match between Inter and his former team, Barcelona, saying: “I sweat just thinking about it; I have a strong emotional connection to Barcelona, but my only wish right now is for Paris Saint-Germain to qualify for the final.”
Regarding the pressure imposed by the second leg, the Paris coach clarified: “We will face a wounded opponent who will fight until the end, and we must deliver a performance that matches what we did in the first leg to hold onto our goals.”
Enrique also commented on the coincidence of the match with his birthday, saying: “I don’t like to think too much about my birthday, but I have a new opportunity tomorrow, and I hope it will be a happy occasion this time.”
He concluded his statements by discussing player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: “We couldn’t sign him before, but we knew about his potential. He is a player with exceptional qualities and has shown great maturity despite his young age, and I am proud of what he delivers on the field and without him.”