Luis Enrique, head coach of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), delivered a stern rebuke to Ousmane Dembélé following a surprising 1-3 defeat to Rennes in Ligue 1 on January 14. The loss saw PSG concede two goals, prompting sharp post-match exchanges.
Dembélé’s Public Frustration
Dembélé voiced his concerns openly after the match, stating, “Personally, if I play full games, there’s no path to victory. Last season, players viewed PSG as superior to themselves. We must recapture that mindset.”
Enrique dismissed the remarks as lacking substance. He emphasized team unity, declaring, “Players’ post-game comments carry little weight—even more so than a coach’s. I place no individual above the club. As team captain, I see no player, manager, or president as more vital than PSG.”
PSG’s Star-Studded Lineup Faces Challenges
Enrique has shifted to a “star-centric” setup featuring Dembélé post-injury, alongside talents like Kylian Mbappé—who erupted for 35 goals after returning from absence—Neymar, and Lionel Messi. Yet, Rennes inflicted a heavy blow in what should have been a routine fixture.
Recent form shows vulnerabilities. Dembélé contributed to two consecutive defeats, hindering the squad’s cohesion. Overall, PSG endures significant analytical setbacks this season amid a packed schedule leading to the Club World Cup, marked by player fatigue and inconsistency.
Upcoming Monaco Clash Looms Large
The upcoming Monaco match emerges as a pivotal test for PSG’s title aspirations. Monaco has already stung rivals once in Ligue 1 and notched four defeats in their last six outings, fueling concerns. Enrique reiterated the need for internal solidarity, insisting the team—not individuals—must unite to reclaim momentum.
