Luis Enrique Confirms Increased PSG Role for Ousmane Dembele

Ousmane Dembele is set for a bigger role when Paris Saint-Germain host Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League on Wednesday after Luis Enrique confirmed the forward’s minutes will now be increased.

The Ballon d’Or winner was unexpectedly kept out of PSG’s starting side for Friday’s match against Monaco, coming on in the 68th minute but unable to change the result.

Dembele had reacted strongly internally to being named among the substitutes, having expected to start after a short break away from the training ground. The France international had already been withdrawn early against Rennes and was then given a full rest for the Lille game.

Enrique explains Dembele decision

Enrique insisted the decision was about fitness management rather than any issue between player and coach. Dembele had pushed himself to feature in both the UEFA Super Cup and the Trophee des Champions before his recent rest period.

“Every player has different circumstances,” Enrique said. “Ousmane made an effort to play the two Super Cups. Then he had a little rest.”

The PSG boss was pleased with Dembele’s late contribution against Monaco, adding that the 27-year-old had performed “at a very good level” during his 20 to 25 minutes on the pitch.

There is no reported rupture between Dembele and Enrique. The forward knows the Spaniard’s demanding management approach, while Enrique has repeatedly stressed that PSG are building towards their strongest level as the campaign develops.

What happens next

Dembele is expected to be restored to the PSG starting XI against Slovan Bratislava after his limited Ligue 1 involvement.

“We are beginning to increase the playing time,” Enrique said. “We are happy to have him back, and it will be the same in the next matches.”