Will Ousmane Dembele Shine Under Luis Enrique This Season?

Luis Enrique, the manager of Paris Saint Germain (PSG), is sure that striker Ousmane Dembele can go better than he did in the 2024–25 season, when he led PSG to a treble win and was one of the top contenders for the Ballon d’Or.

Dembele, who is 28 years old, stepped out of the shadow of former PSG sensation Kylian Mbappe last season and was a key part of their Champions League-winning run. He also impressed in the Club World Cup, when PSG came in second.

Dembele scored 35 goals and assisted 16 last season. He kept PSG alive in last week’s UEFA Super Cup by setting up Goncalo Ramos’ equaliser in the 94th minute. New custodian Lucas Chevalier got a lot of attention for his saves in the penalty shootout win over Tottenham Hotspur.

“I believe this season will be very hard for Ousmane.” Luis Enrique remarked before Friday’s home game against Angers, “Last year was amazing, but I am sure he can do better.”

“You have to be very brave to say that about Dembele, but I think he has what it takes.” He is a really crucial player for us. He is good at both attacking and defending. I can tell he’s happy, and I hope this year will be even better.

The game on Friday will be PSG’s first at the Parc des Princes in three months. It will also be the first time Chevalier and defender Illia Zabarnyi play at home.

The team will also show off their five trophies—the Ligue 1, French Cup, Champions League, French Super Cup, and UEFA Super Cup—in front of their fans.

“It’s incredibly essential for us to see our fans again and come back to the Parc des Princes after 10 games away. We definitely missed the spectators and the stadium. Luis Enrique stated, “We know that the atmosphere always makes a difference.”

Luis Enrique stated that football brought people together when asked if the continuing war between Russia and Ukraine had caused any problems in the PSG dressing room. The team now has Russian second-choice custodian Matvei Safonov and Ukrainian defender Zabarnyi.

He remarked, “Football is the best way to bring people together and make them feel like one.” “Politicians’ political or economic interests come after sports and people.”