Sport

PSG's Luis Enrique: No Pressure on Dembélé Amidst Mbappé's Departure

2024-09-22

Luis Enrique's Stance on Dembélé

In the wake of Kylian Mbappé's high-profile transfer to Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain's coach Luis Enrique has made it clear that there will be no undue pressure on Ousmane Dembélé to fill the French superstar’s shoes.

Dembélé's Performance and Expectations

Following a recent 1-1 draw against Reims, which saw Dembélé score in the second half, the spotlight has turned towards the winger, raising speculation about his potential to become PSG's new lead scorer. Dembélé, who has already netted four goals and provided two assists this season, is seen as a key player for the Parisian side. However, Enrique emphasized the importance of a collective effort from the team rather than placing the responsibility solely on Dembélé.

Team Success Over Individual Accolades

He stated, “We’re not looking for a goal scorer, because if you put the pressure on Dembélé and he doesn’t score, it might lead to problems.” The coach believes that focusing on team success rather than individual accolades is crucial for maintaining harmony and boosting morale within the squad. “Let anyone wearing the PSG jersey score; it’s more important that we win as a team,” he added.

Injuries and Upcoming Challenges

In their recent encounter with Reims, PSG faced challenges due to injuries affecting key players like Marco Asensio and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Despite the setback, Enrique was optimistic, acknowledging the tough nature of the match but hopeful for upcoming games against Stade Rennais and Arsenal in the Champions League.

Tactical Versatility and Squad Depth

Looking ahead, Enrique is keen on employing tactical versatility, suggesting that player rotations will be pivotal. “We will adapt our lineup based on the match conditions. My squad has the flexibility to switch around, and we will utilize that to face challenges in upcoming matches.”

The Road Ahead for PSG

As the pressure mounts for PSG to perform without Mbappé, the entire squad must rise to the occasion, showcasing their depth and resilience as they aim for glory on both domestic and European fronts. Will Dembélé rise to the challenge or will PSG’s collective strength prevail? Fans are eagerly waiting for the answers in the coming weeks!