During the 2024-2025 season, with the Champions League final as its highlight, Ousmane Dembélé became a symbol of the pressing style employed by Paris Saint-Germain’s attackers. The 28-year-old French international spoke to the media outlet Onze Mondial about this image, the effort involved, and the significant difference between pressing on the flanks and in the center.
Dembélé: “I’m the one who initiates the press, but really, the whole team contributes to this work.”
“You’ve transformed a defensive action into a decisive one; are you aware of that?”
(Direct quote) “It’s the coach, the manager, who asks me not to give defenders and goalkeepers time to maneuver, time to think. I’m constantly alert. Especially when we don’t have the ball, even though most of the time we do have the ball.
Well, it’s not just me who presses. My teammates also help me a lot. If I’m the only one pressing, I’m doomed. People are talking about me because I’m the forward, I’m the one who starts the press, but really, the whole team contributes to this work. It’s something important, especially with our style of play. During the Champions League final, I ran a lot, a huge amount. That also made a difference. It’s good, we’ll continue on this path.”
Dembélé: “Pressing on the flank and in the center is really not the same.”
And yet, initially, you didn’t like defending…
Oh, but you know, pressing on the flank and in the center is really not the same.
Explain the difference to me.
In the center, you have 10, 15 meters to cover and then you can rest. On the flank, if the fullback goes all the way to your goal, you have to follow him, so you have more running to do. “When you play on the wing, the defensive work takes more energy, it’s not the same thing (smiles).”
It’s interesting to see how Dembélé always focuses on the team. It’s refreshing after Wilfrid Mbappé’s comments yesterday, emphasizing goals when discussing his son’s defensive contributions. This highlights the importance of the Parisian striker’s and the team’s pressing. It’s a collective effort that needs to be done together for it to work.
The Parisian number 10 shouldn’t try to do it all alone, because he would simply be neutralized. Football is a team sport above all; things need to be done together. Dembélé also understands what he needs to do to contribute. And he does it without getting exhausted. Because the team effort allows them to regain possession, thus avoiding long runs. Also, it allows him to take breaks and catch his breath. At least, he doesn’t sprint constantly.
So, this is a rhythm that seems feasible, not just for Dembélé. But we appreciate that he has the desire and the intelligence to do it. There’s probably no other option when playing under coach Luis Enrique. We should enjoy it while it lasts, because it’s a pleasure to watch this team.
