PSG manager Luis Enrique criticizes ‘valueless’ Ousmane Dembélé assessment
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique stated he will not permit any player to overshadow the club prior to Tuesday’s Champions League knockout phase playoff first leg against AS Monaco.
The Spaniard was addressing remarks made by Ousmane Dembélé following Friday’s unexpected 3-1 Ligue 1 loss to Rennes, which resulted in the champions relinquishing their top position in the standings to Lens.
Dembélé seemed to suggest that his teammates were too focused on individual play and that the team had lost some of the qualities that contributed to their European championship success last season, remarking: “If we play as individuals, it won’t work.”
In response, his manager countered the implications, stating: “The players’ comments after the match are meaningless. Absolutely meaningless.”
“[Likewise] the coaches’ comments are also meaningless, but the players’ remarks hold no value. I will not respond to any inquiries from a player, nor any comments from a player.
“I will never permit any player to consider himself more significant than the club. Not me, not the sporting director, not the president.
“Thus, these statements are meaningless. They stem from frustration after a match, and I believe that is evident. We have nothing to lose.”
The champions aimed to establish a four-point lead at the top of the table with a win over Rennes, but despite controlling possession, they suffered a surprising defeat to their managerless rivals.
They fell behind due to Musa Al-Taamari’s first-half goal, and Esteban Lepaul extended Rennes’ advantage in the 69th minute.
Dembélé managed to reduce the deficit to 2-1 against his former club, but Rennes sealed the match with Breel Embolo’s goal, making it three.
Following the match, the Ballon d’Or winner criticized unnamed teammates, stating: “Above all, we must play for PSG to secure victories.
“If we play as individuals on the field, it won’t work; we won’t achieve the titles we desire.
“Last season, we prioritized the club above all else, before considering ourselves. We need to regain that mindset, especially in these matches.
“We recognize that we are in the latter half of the season. And Paris St Germain must come first, not individual players.”
The team is set to face Monaco over two legs in pursuit of a spot in the Champions League last 16, having struggled to build on their success from last season’s competition, finishing 11th in the league phase.
Luis Enrique’s effective man-management has contributed to PSG becoming a more cohesive unit. He made it clear last year that, unlike previous seasons with stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Lionel Messi, there would be no indulged players.
Dembélé learned this lesson when Luis Enrique excluded him from a Champions League match against Arsenal early last season due to disciplinary reasons.
This decision proved effective as Dembélé went on to score 35 goals overall and assist PSG in winning the Champions League for the first time. PSG’s rise to the title was largely unforeseen—just as Dembélé’s sudden scoring prowess was—and the element of surprise has now diminished.
Last season extended until the Club World Cup final in mid-July, with some PSG players participating in over 60 matches.
The team’s high-energy style and relentless pressing require significant effort. Perhaps as a result, and with limited recovery time during the summer, the club has faced injuries to key players throughout this season.
Dembélé has struggled to establish the same attacking synergy with Désiré Doué, as both players have been sidelined by injuries twice.
PSG advanced to the last 16 last season by defeating French side Brest 10-0 over two legs. The upcoming challenge against Monaco is expected to be tougher, as they previously defeated PSG in Ligue 1 and have shown improvement in defense, recording four clean sheets in their last six matches.
Coach Sébastien Pocognoli is monitoring the fitness of attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, midfielder Lamine Camara, and goal-scoring winger Ansu Fati, but emphasized that the outcome of the tie would not determine the success of his team’s season.
“For me, the primary challenge is achieving a successful season,” Pocognoli stated. “[Tuesday’s] match is part of that goal. There is no additional pressure or expectation surrounding this game, even though we are facing PSG in the Champions League.
“They are the defending champions, eager to demonstrate their capabilities again this year and retain the trophy. The reality is that we are the underdogs, and we must embrace that role and do everything possible to give ourselves a genuine chance of qualifying.”
Information from PA and The Associated Press was utilized in this report.
