Luis Enrique on Dembélé's Rest: 'It Was the Same Last Year, He Was, Is, and Will Be a Key Player for Us'

Ahead of Lille's visit in the second round of Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique explained his decision to omit Ousmane Dembélé from the squad this week. The manager took the opportunity to emphasize his high regard for the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, from whom he expects a significant contribution this season.

A brief, universally approved break. Before Friday's match against Lille, Luis Enrique justified Ousmane Dembélé's rest. After being substituted at halftime in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Rennes, the 2025 Ballon d'Or recipient was granted a few days off to recharge.

However, Luis Enrique himself downplayed the significance of this fact: "There's nothing new about it. If you recall, the same thing happened last year. There are times when we give certain players time to recover. That was the case last year with Ousmane, Hakimi, and several others. Three years ago, I remember it happened with Ousmane and Kylian (Mbappé)."

To quell any potential speculation, Luis Enrique seized the chance to reiterate his high esteem for his number 10, who is once again expected to play a pivotal role for PSG this season.

"I am a huge admirer of Ousmane Dembélé. For us, he is a fundamental player, a footballer of very high caliber. He put in a tremendous effort this summer to be available for the European Super Cup (editor's note: the 2-1 victory against Aston Villa). He was, is, and will be a key player for us, that's clear," said the coach of the two-time European champions.

"I'm pleased. I think he made a good decision this week, and it will be necessary to rely on other players throughout the season. There's nothing to worry about. I am convinced that we are on the right track," Luis Enrique continued regarding his squad management. "I know that every time we make a difficult decision, there's a lot of noise around PSG. When we believe a player hasn't performed well or that there are better solutions during a match, that's normal, we are a team. That's how it is, it must be accepted. The players are already accustomed to my management style. I am convinced that in the future, we will strive to reach the same level as in the past."

Beyond Ousmane Dembélé, the Spanish coach stated he is prepared to rest any key player in his squad if necessary. "I am always open to giving a break to players who returned with fewer days off because they played in the World Cup. It's very important to know how to disconnect," he noted. "The same applies to Ousmane. He made that great effort to be with the team, and after the two finals (editor's note: the European Super Cup against Aston Villa and the French Super Cup against Lens), it was time for him to get some rest."

Regarding the away match against Lille, the Spanish specialist said: "There are no easy away games. This is a positive scenario because we can try things that we will prepare with an eye on the Champions League and the future. These are matches with special motivation. Davide Ancelotti? Everyone knows him. He was very important in recent years alongside Carlo. I like what he has shown on the coaching bench, and the opinions about his father. What I've seen from him, and the way he managed Real Madrid, are very intelligent. He is a very good coach and will be able to show it at Lille. It will be exciting to meet him, and I can't wait to play the match."

Finally, he concluded: "I repeat, I am a fan of Ousmane Dembélé. He is a different player. I have always shown him my trust. He has done everything for the team. He is a true leader on the field. We will continue to manage the situation this way."