Ousmane Dembélé, 28-year-old striker for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, answered questions from the newspaper Le Monde. He was notably asked to comment on his new role as “leader” at PSG. He also discussed the latter’s clear desire to continue winning in order to make history.
Dembélé: “The coach has often advised me to lead by example. It’s a role I like.”
“A leadership role?
It wasn’t necessarily the case when I arrived at PSG, but since last year, since there are so many young players and I’m one of the oldest in the locker room, I’ve been one of the team’s leaders, along with others. The coach has often advised me to lead by example. It’s a role I like.”
Dembélé: “We have to forget them if we want to relive an extraordinary season.” »
PSG’s goals for the future?
“We want to become champions. Champions win big trophies like the Champions League two or three times in their careers.” We have to get back to work. Last season’s successes are part of history, but we have to forget them if we want to relive an extraordinary season.”
Dembélé didn’t arrive with the desire to be PSG’s “leader,” and that wasn’t the idea. He was mainly supposed to make up for the injuries he suffered at FC Barcelona and “help” Kylian Mbappé. But coach Luis Enrique asked more of him, and the space left by the departure of the now-Madrid player seemed to do him good.
The PSG number 10 has gained more momentum in the Parisian game, redoubled his efforts to be at his best and contribute defensively. It’s clear, he has become exemplary. He is understandably grateful to the Parisian coach, who sought “more” from him.
We expect the French international to continue in this direction, as does the rest of PSG. It was interesting to see the pressure in the first few matches, a sign that the team is still strong and that the Parisians haven’t forgotten the effort required to win. It’s a goal they seem to have in mind. We hope this will be confirmed. It’s necessary to continue making history, even if the competition means there’s no certainty.
