Ousmane Dembele (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Despite PSG’s stability after recent departures, tensions have emerged as Ousmane Dembélé becomes unhappy with Luis Enrique’s cautious approach to his playing time.
Paris Saint-Germain may look more unified since the departures of Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Neymar, but the balance within the squad is again being tested. Head coach Luis Enrique is currently dealing with growing dissatisfaction from one of his key players, Ousmane Dembélé.
PSG reached unprecedented heights last season, completing domestic dominance before finally lifting the UEFA Champions League, later adding the Intercontinental Cup. Dembélé was central to that success, enjoying the best season of his career and finishing the year crowned with the Ballon d’Or.
A difficult season marked by injuries
The current campaign, however, has been far more complicated for the French winger. Persistent injury problems — reminiscent of his time at Barcelona — have limited his availability. Dembélé has made 18 appearances so far, scoring six goals and providing five assists, impressive output given his restricted minutes.
Statistically, his impact remains strong. The problem lies elsewhere.
Luis Enrique’s cautious plan
According to French media, Luis Enrique is determined to reintegrate Dembélé gradually, prioritising long-term fitness over short-term gains. The coach is wary of repeating past mistakes, when the winger returned too quickly and suffered relapses that proved costly for both club and player.
That cautious approach, however, is not sitting well with Dembélé. Canal+ reports that the player believes he is ready to play more regularly, leading to growing tension between him and the coaching staff. PSG’s senior management have reportedly stepped in to explain that the decision reflects a collective stance by the club and medical team.
Strong competition, no guarantees
Even as the reigning Ballon d’Or holder, Dembélé is not untouchable. One of PSG’s biggest strengths this season is the depth and competition within the squad. In his absence, Luis Enrique has rotated effectively, giving minutes to Désiré Doué, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos.
Behind them, academy prospects are also emerging. Seventeen-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye and 18-year-old Quentin Ndjantou have both broken into the first team, reinforcing the message that no position is guaranteed.
For Luis Enrique, managing Dembélé’s frustration without disrupting the collective balance may prove one of his most delicate challenges this season.