Dembele Tipped for Further Improvement After Stellar Season

Paris Saint Germain (PSG) head coach Luis Enrique believes that forward Ousmane Dembele is capable of exceeding his performance from the 2024–25 season, during which he was pivotal in PSG’s treble victory and became a prominent contender for the Ballon d’Or award.

Last season saw the 28-year-old Dembele step out of the shadow of former PSG icon Kylian Mbappe, playing a crucial role in their triumphant Champions League campaign and maintaining his impressive form in the Club World Cup, where PSG finished as runners-up.

Dembele, who achieved 35 goals and 16 assists in the previous season, was instrumental in PSG’s survival in the recent UEFA Super Cup. He provided the assist for Goncalo Ramos’s late equaliser in the 94th minute, while new goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier earned accolades for his penalty shootout saves against Tottenham Hotspur.

“I feel that the current season presents a significant challenge for Ousmane. While his previous year was outstanding, I am confident that he has the potential to elevate his game even further,” stated Luis Enrique prior to their home match against Angers on Friday.

“It requires courage to make such a statement (regarding Dembele), but I genuinely believe he possesses the requisite level. He is an exceedingly valuable asset for our team, contributing both offensively and defensively. I perceive his happiness, and I aspire for an even more successful year for him.”

The upcoming match marks PSG’s first appearance at the Parc des Princes in three months and will feature home debuts for Chevalier and defender Illia Zabarnyi.

The club also intends to showcase their collection of five trophies (Ligue 1, French Cup, Champions League, French Super Cup, and UEFA Super Cup) to the home supporters.

“It holds immense significance for us to reunite with our fanbase and return to the Parc des Princes following a sequence of 10 away fixtures. We have keenly missed the stadium and the presence of our supporters, acknowledging the substantial impact their atmosphere consistently provides,” commented Luis Enrique.

When questioned about potential disruptions in the locker room stemming from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, considering PSG’s roster now includes Russian reserve goalkeeper Matvei Safonov and Ukrainian defender Zabarnyi, Luis Enrique emphasised football’s unifying capacity.

“Football serves as an optimal vehicle for fostering unity and togetherness, rather than division,” he remarked. “Sporting endeavours and individuals take precedence over political or economic agendas pursued by politicians.”