Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has offered a light-hearted response to Ousmane Dembélé’s recent joke about requesting additional holiday, following a period where the French international has delivered crucial performances for the club.
Dembélé, who was granted a break by Luis Enrique ahead of a significant UEFA Champions League fixture, returned to make a decisive impact. After scoring in PSG’s 4-2 victory over Manchester City, he humorously suggested he might ask for more time off.
Dembélé’s Timely Contributions
The winger’s recent form has been notable. Prior to the Manchester City clash, Dembélé was rested and not included in the squad for the match against Le Mans FC. He returned to training on Sunday before the Champions League tie, where he subsequently found the net against the English champions.
Following the win, Dembélé quipped about his desire for further holidays. Luis Enrique addressed these comments ahead of PSG’s league fixture against RC Strasbourg Alsace, stating, “He’s the boss! If he wants holiday [leave], he makes the request; he will get it.”
Dembélé continued his influential run in the subsequent Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg. Coming on as a substitute with PSG trailing 1-0, he played a pivotal role in turning the game around. Despite missing a penalty, he went on to assist Illia Zabarnyi’s equaliser in the 77th minute and then scored himself in the 85th minute to put PSG ahead. Désiré Doué added a third goal in injury time, securing a 3-1 victory for Les Parisiens.
Manager’s Perspective on Player Rest
Luis Enrique elaborated on his comments, highlighting Dembélé’s character. “He is always joking. I like his way of experiencing football, his passion for football. It is clearly a joke, but I am always open if players need rest,” the PSG manager added, underscoring his flexible approach to player welfare.
The decision to grant Dembélé a break before the Manchester City game appears to have paid dividends, with the player returning refreshed and making significant contributions in key matches. This strategic management of player fatigue could be crucial as PSG navigates a demanding schedule.
Looking Ahead
With Dembélé in strong form and the team securing important wins, Paris Saint-Germain now turn their attention to their next challenge. They are set to face Barcelona on Tuesday, a fixture that will undoubtedly test their momentum and Dembélé’s continued impact.