Luis Enrique, the coach of Paris Saint-Germain, remains vague about the return of Ousmane Dembélé. It is not exactly clear what is going on with the French winger, but Luis Enrique hints at a mentality issue.
A week ago, Luis Enrique, the head coach of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), addressed Ousmane Dembélé's absence from the squad, sparking widespread speculation among fans and media alike.
Dembélé, the French winger who joined PSG in a high-profile transfer from Barcelona earlier in the season, was notably absent from the team's Champions League fixture against Arsenal. Luis Enrique simply stated that Dembélé was "not involved" at the time, offering little insight into the exact reasons behind his exclusion. This cryptic remark led to various interpretations, with many wondering if the player was struggling with fitness, form, or perhaps a deeper issue behind the scenes.
Despite not being part of the squad for the midweek Champions League match, Dembélé was later seen participating in PSG’s training session on Friday. His presence on the training ground further fueled curiosity and led to the inevitable question: when will Dembélé make his official return to the pitch? His absence from such a high-stakes game had raised eyebrows, especially considering the importance of Dembélé to PSG’s attacking lineup, given his pace, creativity, and ability to break down defenses.
Luis Enrique’s response during his latest press conference did little to dispel the mystery. When asked directly about Dembélé’s status and potential return, Enrique maintained his enigmatic stance. He reiterated a point he had made earlier, suggesting that the issue was not necessarily physical but rather related to a broader concept of responsibility and readiness. "As I mentioned at the time of the incident: if a player does not meet the obligations, he is not prepared," Enrique stated, hinting that Dembélé's situation might be linked to issues of professionalism or commitment.
This comment immediately raised speculation that Dembélé’s absence could be due to a disciplinary matter, possibly stemming from failure to meet certain internal expectations or behavioral standards set by the coaching staff. Without going into detail, Enrique left the door open to interpretation but made it clear that Dembélé’s availability would depend on his adherence to the team’s requirements. "On the other hand," Enrique continued, "if he does meet them, he is ready. This applies to all players in Ligue 1." This blanket statement made it clear that no player, no matter their stature, would be immune to the consequences of failing to meet the club’s standards.
Enrique’s management style, characterized by a balance between strict discipline and understanding, was also on display. "I am strict when necessary and lenient when needed," he explained, reinforcing that his approach to managing players is situational and flexible. While he has the reputation of being a tough and demanding coach, Enrique also indicated that he is willing to show leniency when warranted, suggesting that Dembélé’s case may be more nuanced than a straightforward breach of conduct.
As for the burning question of when Dembélé would return to competitive action, Luis Enrique offered no definitive answer. His reluctance to provide a clear timeline added another layer of uncertainty to the situation. "When will Dembélé play again?" a journalist asked, to which Enrique responded, "Every player has obligations to fulfill for the team. Everyone who does that is available. But if someone makes a serious mistake, I make the decisions I have to make. I have no problem making decisions, even if they seem difficult."
These words were a clear message to both Dembélé and the rest of the squad that discipline and adherence to team rules would be non-negotiable under Enrique’s leadership. The fact that Enrique avoided delving into the specifics of Dembélé’s issue left the situation open to interpretation, but it was evident that Dembélé’s fate rested largely in his own hands. If he fulfilled the obligations set before him, he would be welcomed back into the team. If not, Enrique would not hesitate to make difficult decisions, even if that meant sidelining a star player.
For PSG, the timing of Dembélé’s absence is significant. The team is navigating a crucial period in both the Ligue 1 campaign and the Champions League, and the presence of key players like Dembélé could prove pivotal. PSG's ambitions of European glory are well-documented, and having a player of Dembélé’s caliber on the pitch could be essential in the tougher fixtures ahead. The Frenchman’s speed, technical skill, and ability to create chances make him one of the most exciting wingers in world football, and his absence has undoubtedly been felt.
Yet, Enrique’s refusal to compromise on team discipline sends a strong message about the culture he is fostering at PSG. In a club known for its star-studded roster and high-profile signings, managing egos and ensuring that every player remains focused and committed to the team’s objectives is no small feat. Enrique, who has had success managing big names during his time at Barcelona, appears determined to instill a sense of collective responsibility among his players.
Dembélé’s situation is not the first time Enrique has faced questions about player discipline. During his tenure at Barcelona, Enrique was involved in a well-documented clash with Lionel Messi, arguably the best player in the world at the time. However, Enrique managed to navigate that situation and ultimately led Barcelona to a treble-winning season in 2015. His experience with managing top-level talent and handling potentially disruptive situations with calm authority suggests that he is well-equipped to handle Dembélé’s current predicament.
For PSG supporters, the hope is that Dembélé can quickly resolve whatever issues are preventing him from being fully integrated into the squad. His skill set is undoubtedly valuable, and his partnership with stars like Kylian Mbappé and Neymar could form one of the most potent attacking trios in Europe. However, until Dembélé proves that he is ready to meet Enrique’s demands, his place in the team will remain uncertain.
In the meantime, PSG continues to move forward with their Ligue 1 campaign and Champions League aspirations. The team's depth and quality mean that they can cope without Dembélé for now, but his absence will be keenly felt if it persists for an extended period. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on both Dembélé and Enrique to see if the winger can make the necessary adjustments to return to the fold and help PSG in their quest for silverware.
Ultimately, the ball is in Dembélé’s court. Whether he can fulfill the obligations and regain his place in the team remains to be seen. For now, Luis Enrique’s message is clear: discipline and commitment come first, and no player is above the rules, no matter how talented they may be.
