Enrique fumes as Dembele problem emerges ahead of Arsenal vs PSG clash

PSG travel to Arsenal for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final next Tuesday, but concerns are emerging over star attacker Ousmane Dembele after his side were held to a draw by Nantes

Luis Enrique has fumed at suggestions that Ousmane Dembele is growing frustrated, with less than a week to go before PSG travel to Arsenal for their Champions League semi-final. Dembele has been a key player in the French side's run to the final four.

He has scored 32 goals and notched 11 assists in all competitions, with PSG also running away with the Ligue 1 title. Having already been crowned champions, their full focus is on finally realising their dream of winning the European Cup.

First though, they will have to make it past Arsenal, who will provide a stern test. In their penultimate game before the first leg at the Emirates, PSG were held to a 1-1 draw by Nantes on Tuesday night.

Dembele started the game at Stade de La Beaujoire, but was subbed off just after the hour mark. The Frenchman failed to score, having just one shot on target and only two touches in the Nantes box during his time on the pitch.

It is the fourth successive match in which Dembele has drawn a blank, sparking concern from some quarters about his form heading into the clash with Arsenal. But boss Enrique has now dismissed any suggestions that he is worried about his star man.

"My goal as a coach is for my players to be at their best." Enrique said. "Sometimes you make up stories, ask Ousmane. Everyone manages their emotions as best they can, as best they know how, and as best they want.

"Whether a player is more or less frustrated after a match, it doesn't matter to me. It's always difficult to play away from home, especially in a stadium like here in Nantes, with a great atmosphere.

"We're happy, but at the same time, we made a few mistakes and Nantes took advantage to score their goal. In the end, it's a draw and we have to keep going. We now we need to rest and focus on Friday, as that will be a completely different match."

Enrique admitted he is expecting a difficult test over both legs of the semi-final. PSG have beaten Brest, Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockouts to reach this point and his eyes are firmly set on reaching the final.

"It's a real source of pride to be in the semi-finals again; it shows that the team is consistent and consistent. We want to finish the championship undefeated, which is a motivation, even if it will be difficult," he said last week.

"It's not an advantage (to play an English club again). There may be a common pattern among English teams. We already played Arsenal at the start of the season. We know who we have to eliminate. They're one of the best teams in Europe.

"They've developed very well under Arteta, they're performing very well. The goal hasn't been reached yet. Since we arrived, the goal has been to make history. To make history, you have to win everything, especially the trophy you all know.

"We'll give it our all to achieve this result. What matters to me is the path to achieving this goal. That depends on us. One of the team's strengths is this ability to be competitive no matter the opponent. I have total confidence in the team, no matter which player is chosen."