Paris Saint-Germain’s week was “agitated”, in particular, by the fact that Ousmane Dembélé was sidelined for Tuesday’s trip to the Champions League to face Arsenal (2-0 defeat, 2nd day of the phase league). Coach Luis Enrique did not indicate exactly why, but it was a sanction that could target poor collective choices recently and, according to some indications, bad behavior outside (tense exchange, delay). The 27-year-old striker returned to the group on Fridaybut the file is not completely closed. The team assures this Saturday that tensions have arisen between the two men.
« instructions which limit certain individual initiatives and where he does not always have the opportunity to express himself. »
“At 27, the Vernon native projects himself as a figure in this new Parisian project. A speech which also follows discussions with the club’s management, which would have encouraged him to establish himself more as the number 1 offensive weapon. Without, however, promising him, according to the club, a separate status.
Even less, we explained to PSG this Friday, about the decisions which concern the field of action of Luis Enrique. Dembélé’s ambition quickly came up against a choice from the Parisian coach: the appointment of Vitinha as penalty taker, misunderstood by the world champion.
Then, on several occasions and in particular against Girona, Dembélé, despite his clear effectiveness at the start of the season, goes through the matches with a form of frustration. With restrictive offensive animation, instructions which limit certain individual initiatives and where he does not always have the opportunity to express himself.
« It was officially time, in recent hours, for appeasement. »
When, on the sidelines of the Rennes match, Luis Enrique criticizes him for some of his choices and essentially points out his selfishness, particularly towards some of his teammates, Dembélé reacts.
To achieve this reintegration, Luis Enrique and Ousmane Dembélé spoke to each other. Few elements have filtered out of this exchange but, in both camps, the time has officially, in recent hours, been for appeasement. These two got to know each other last year. »
Dembélé may not appreciate every choice of Luis Enrique and the latter is not necessarily a fan of everything his player does on the pitch. Disagreements exist in group life. But there’s no need to look for drama.
Not so long ago, everyone was amused to see Luis Enrique celebrate with Dembélé a double (image from the article) with a big smile and what seemed to be a little cheekiness. With this little episode since then, problems have existed for a while. Which were not visible.
So we will avoid thinking for the moment that a particular trace will be left and that tensions could resurface. Notably because The team is based on the famous restrictive instructions, data which comes from an article in the sports newspaper and which has never been confirmed.
We can even rather say that Dembélé seems quite free on the pitch and that he never lacks opportunities to bring danger, to be decisive. Moreover, this almost worrying article from the sports newspaper ends by emphasizing that both parties are focused on appeasement. A simple issue that could be highlighted more.
