Luis Enrique Discusses Ousmane Dembélé's Future at PSG
Luis Enrique, the head coach of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), addressed the media ahead of the upcoming Ligue 1 match against Nice. A focal point of the press conference was the status of winger Ousmane Dembélé, who was sidelined during PSG's recent Champions League defeat to Arsenal. Despite speculation surrounding Dembélé's potential return, Enrique remained non-committal, emphasizing that player readiness hinges on fulfilling team obligations. He stated, "When a player does not meet his obligations, he is not ready. But when he meets his obligations, he is ready." This statement reflects Enrique's approach to team management, indicating that performance and commitment dictate selection.
Analyzing PSG's Performance Against Arsenal
Following PSG's 2-0 loss to Arsenal, Enrique took full responsibility for the team's performance, shifting the focus away from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who faced criticism for his role in the defeat. "If there is someone to blame, it’s me, leave Donnarumma alone," he asserted. Enrique highlighted that defensive errors contributed significantly to the goals conceded, underscoring the collective responsibility of the team rather than singling out individuals. He expressed confidence in Donnarumma's abilities, stating that the goalkeeper's training performances have been promising, and emphasized the need for a unified team effort in both offensive and defensive phases of play.
Preparations for the Match Against Nice
As PSG gears up to face Nice, Enrique acknowledged the challenges posed by their opponents, who recently changed coaches and will be looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat in the Europa League. He described the upcoming match as "complicated" and noted that Nice's high-pressure style of play would require PSG to adapt strategically. Enrique is focused on improving the team's performance across all competitions, reiterating his belief that they can compete at the highest level. "I may be wrong, but I tell you very directly: we are going to win all the competitions. That is the mentality," he concluded, instilling a sense of determination ahead of the crucial fixture.