PSG Manager Enrique Responds to Dembele's Criticism Following Loss to Rennes
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has dismissed criticism from forward Ousmane Dembele after the club suffered a 3-1 defeat against Rennes in Ligue 1. The match, played on Friday, February 13, saw PSG miss a chance to extend their lead in the league standings, with Rennes securing a surprising victory at Roazhon Park.
Rennes Overpowers PSG in Ligue 1 Clash
Rennes, under interim coach Sebastien Tamboure following the dismissal of Habib Beye earlier in the week, delivered a dominant performance against the league giants. Mousa Tamari opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a skillful move, cutting inside and firing into the bottom-left corner. Esteban Lepaul doubled the lead in the 69th minute, heading home from a corner by Sebastian Szymanski.
Ousmane Dembele managed to pull one back for PSG two minutes later, converting a deflected cross, but Breel Embolo sealed the win for Rennes in the 81st minute with a chested finish. This result marks PSG's third league defeat this season, allowing RC Lens to top the Ligue 1 table, as reported by beIN SPORTS.
Dembele's Post-Match Comments Spark Controversy
Following the loss, 2025 Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele expressed frustration with his teammates' performance. In a post-match interview, he urged players to prioritize the team over individual interests, stating, "If players want to win titles, they must play for PSG and not for themselves." This comment has fueled discussions about the team's collective mentality and internal dynamics.
Enrique's Firm Response to Player Criticism
Manager Luis Enrique responded strongly to Dembele's remarks, downplaying their significance and emphasizing the importance of club unity. According to reports, Enrique labeled such post-match statements as "worthless" and asserted his authority over the squad. He stated, "I’m not going to answer any question from a player or respond to their comments. I will never allow any player to think he is more important than the club. That is clear. I am responsible for the team, and neither I, the sporting director, nor the president, nor the club will allow it."
Enrique's comments highlight his commitment to maintaining discipline and focus within the team, especially amid a challenging period in the league. The manager's stance reinforces the principle that no individual should overshadow the collective goals of Paris Saint-Germain.
Background on Dembele's Ballon d'Or Candidacy
Prior to this incident, PSG had been advocating for Dembele to win the Ballon d'Or, with the club's sporting director making a strong case for him over competitors like Lamine Yamal. Dembele's remarkable individual performances this season have positioned him as a frontrunner for the prestigious award, adding context to his current role and influence within the team.
As PSG navigates this internal tension, the focus remains on regrouping for upcoming matches to reclaim their position in Ligue 1. The response from Enrique underscores a broader message about team cohesion and the manager's leadership in times of adversity.
