Luis Enrique hails Dembele after PSG’s Champions League win at Man City
Luis Enrique has joked that Ousmane Dembele can have another “holiday” whenever he asks for one after the forward’s decisive Champions League display at Manchester City.
PSG schedule and Dembele update
| Item | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Dembele’s rest | One full week | He was left out against Le Mans after four France internationals |
| Champions League impact | Goal scored | PSG won at City on matchday two |
| Next Ligue 1 match | Strasbourg away | PSG return to domestic action |
| Next European test | Barcelona | Champions League fixture next week |
Dembele had laughed after the City win that regular time off might be needed if it keeps producing performances of that level. Enrique responded in kind at his Friday press conference, while underlining that selection remains his call.
“He is the boss. If he wants a holiday, he will get a holiday,” Enrique said. “He is always laughing. I love his way of experiencing football. It is a joke, but I am always willing to give players what they ask for. They always want to start, but they know I have the responsibility to decide.”
The France international had been rested for PSG’s Ligue 1 meeting with Le Mans after appearing in four matches for his country. That rotation handed him a full recovery week before the trip to City, where he scored and produced a standout performance.
Enrique also made clear that a break does not mean players disappear from the club’s routine. In his view, a vacation still involves reporting to the training ground and working.
PSG now head to Strasbourg with workload management again in focus. Barcelona await in Europe next week, and Enrique will assess whether Dembele needs another carefully timed spell out of the side before that major test.
