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Dembele bagged a treble in PSG’s UEFA Champions League win over VfB Stuttgart and replicated his feat in his side’s Ligue 1 triumph over Brest as he led the French heavyweights to a 4-1 and 5-2 victories respectively.
PSG’s head coach Luis Enrique reacts during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Stuttgart and Paris Saint-Germain at the Stuttgart Arena in Stuttgart, Germany, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
PSG head coach Luis Enrique heaped praise on starman Ousmane Dembele after the Frenchman dazzled with two hattricks on the trot for the Parisian giants last week.
Dembele bagged a treble in PSG’s UEFA Champions League win over VfB Stuttgart and replicated his feat in his side’s Ligue 1 triumph over Brest as he led the French heavyweights to a 4-1 and 5-2 victories respectively.
Enrique hailed the 27-year-old amid his purple patch which has helped PSG dominate the French league table and also reach the playoffs of the revamped UCL.
“Dembele? A different player,” Enrique began.
“Ousmane has always been a different player, whatever his position,” the Spanish gaffer added.
“He can dribble past two or three players, make decisive passes and score goals,” he continued.
“Our objective with him has always been the same. He’s a player who makes a difference,” the 54-year-old said.
“To be a PSG player, you have to be prepared for situations like that. That’s why we consider it a team sport, and within the team, everything is easier to live with,” Enrique elaborated.
PSG take on third-tier French side Le Mans in the last 16 of the French Cup on Tuesday and Enrique confirmed that there were no serious concerns over the fitness of defensive midfielder Joao Neves, who picked up a knock against Stuttgart. The PSG boss, however, added that he has to consider the packed schedule with respect to giving his players a run out.
“There’s no injury, it’s just the calendar and the intensity of the games that’s meant he’s been a bit tighter, but he doesn’t have any major injuries. We just have to control the workload,” Enrique said.
PSG stand atop the Ligue 1 table with a 10-point cushion over closest chasers Marseille and Enrique stated that he was chuffed with the developments his side have been making ever since he took over.
“I’m still satisfied. Sometimes you might think that there isn’t room for everyone, but since last season we’ve improved the squad and we’ve achieved something that is vital, essential, namely competition,” the Spaniard concluded.