Following a surprising defeat, Paris Saint-Germain finds itself at the center of internal scrutiny, with public comments from a star player prompting a firm response from the team’s head coach. The situation unfolded after the Parisian club suffered a 1-3 loss to Stade Rennais during the 22nd round of the French league, a result that starkly contrasted with their previous major victory.
In the aftermath of the match, Ousmane Dembélé, the team’s prominent forward, did not mince words when speaking to the French network RMC. He characterized the team’s start as “catastrophic,” acknowledging Rennes‘ excellent performance while issuing a stark critique of his own squad’s apparent shortcomings. “We urgently need to show greater desire,” Dembélé stated, emphasizing that the most crucial element for winning matches is to “play for the team.”
His critique grew more pointed as he continued, suggesting that selfish play on the pitch is detrimental and will not lead to the titles the club aspires to win. Drawing a comparison to the previous season, Dembélé highlighted a perceived shift in mentality, noting that last year the club, its crest, and Paris Saint-Germain itself were prioritized over individual considerations. “We must regain that collective spirit now,” he insisted, stressing that in the second half of the season, Paris must be the absolute priority, not individuals.
A Manager’s Firm Rebuttal
The Spanish manager’s reaction to his player’s public remarks was swift and unequivocal. Luis Enrique, the head coach of Paris Saint-Germain, addressed Dembélé’s comments in statements highlighted by the French newspaper L’Équipe. Establishing a clear hierarchy, Enrique declared, “I will never allow any player to be above the club… that point is clear.”
He further elaborated on this principle of absolute club supremacy, extending it beyond the playing squad. “I am responsible for the team, but no one is above the club—whether the players, me, the sporting director, or even the president,” Enrique asserted, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding where ultimate authority and focus must reside.
Concluding his response, the coach dismissed the significance of the post-match comments, attributing them directly to the emotional fallout from the recent game. “These statements are without value,” Enrique stated definitively. “They stem from the frustration of the match that just ended.” This framing positioned the criticism not as a substantive analysis but as an impulsive reaction to a disappointing result, effectively minimizing its perceived weight within the club’s ongoing campaign.