Luis Enrique has hit back at Ousmane Dembele following his critical interview after Paris Saint-Germain’s stunning 3-1 defeat to Rennes on Friday night. Despite having 69 per cent possession at Roazhon Park, as well as hitting the target six times from 17 shots, Les Parisiens were undone by a resilient and clinical opposition, shaking up the Ligue 1 table.
Their third league defeat of the season could allow RC Lens to capitalise, with a victory against Paris FC enough to take them top by the end of this weekend’s fixtures. During his post-match interview, Ballon d’Or winner Dembele criticised his teammates for a lack of desire, urging them to play for PSG rather than for themselves if they want to win titles. Watch his interview in French below:
PSG have not been as dominant as they were during last season’s peak, when they claimed four trophies including a long-awaited first Champions League title, but there is little need for panic. They have already won the Trophee des Champions, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and boast a 60 per cent win rate across 35 matches in all competitions.
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Man Utd are into the top ten, but Arsenal still aren't top despite winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final.
Luis Enrique Hits Back at Dembele After 'Lack of Desire' Comments
The PSG manager dismissed the forward's criticism of individual egos and lack of collective spirit as "worthless," insisting no player will ever be allowed to place themselves above the club. In a blunt press conference after the loss - where Rennes stunned the champions with goals from Musa Al-Taamari, Esteban Lepaul, and Breel Embolo - Enrique refused to engage with his consolation goalscorer's words.
"The players' statements after the match are worthless. Absolutely worthless. Neither are the coaches' statements, but the players' statements are worthless. I'm not going to answer any question from a player, any response from a player," Enrique said, as per Tribuna.
"I will never allow any player to be above the club. So, it's clear. I am the person responsible for the team. I will not allow any player to think that he is more important than the club. Neither me, nor the sporting director, nor the president, nor the club."
The Spaniard, who is considered the best manager in world football right now, concluded: "So, these statements are worthless. They are the result of anger after a match, and I think that's clear. We have nothing to lose."
PSG's Situation 'Should' Be Under Control
Ever since PSG ditched their big-name transfer policy in favour of developing youth and strategically signing players full of potential or suited to the system, the French giants have been far more successful. That transition has seen the likes of Dembele favoured over the Kylian Mbappe and Neymar-type superstars, diluting the bigger egos in the dressing room in hopes of a better collective spirit.
As Enrique suggested, his comments appeared to be a knee-jerk reaction. Although the Frenchman remains the focal point of his side’s goalscoring threat - with 11 goals and seven assists in 24 matches this season - he is still supported by a star-studded team around him, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and Vitinha among those also pulling their weight.
Given the humble beginnings and the challenges he faced at Barcelona, Dembele should certainly show more grace in his current position. In the past, comments like his have weighed PSG down, though their situation this time around should be well under control if they can defuse this week’s sudden upheaval and get back on track as they will be expected to do.