PSG manager Luis Enrique believes striker Ousmane Dembele can improve on his 2024–25 season, when he led PSG to a triple and became a Ballon d’Or contender. Dembele, 28, emerged from Kylian Mbappe’s shadow last season and helped PSG win the Champions League and become runners-up in the Club World Cup.
Dembele, who scored 35 goals and 16 assists last season, set up Goncalo Ramos’ 94th-minute equaliser in last week’s UEFA Super Cup and Lucas Chevalier’s saves in their penalty shootout win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Ousmane faces a major struggle coming season. Before Friday’s home game against Angers, Luis Enrique observed, “Last year was amazing, but I’m sure he can improve.
It takes courage to say that about Dembele, but I think he’s at the level. His role is crucial for us. He attacks and defends well. I saw his happiness; I hope this year is better.”
Chevalier and Illia Zabarnyi will make their Parc des Princes debuts on Friday in PSG’s first game in three months.
The club will also give their five trophies—Ligue 1, French Cup, Champions League, French Super Cup, and UEFA Super Cup—to the home audience.
“We need to see our fans and return to the Parc des Princes after 10 away matches. We miss the stadium and fans. Luis Enrique stated the atmosphere always matters.
Asked if the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine had caused any complications in the dressing room, Luis Enrique said sport brought people together. PSG now has Russian second-choice custodian Matvei Safonov and Ukrainian defender Zabarnyi.
“Football is the best way to bring people together and create unity, not separation,” stated. “Sports and people come before political or economic interest of politicians.”
