On Tuesday, October 14th, at 9:00 PM, Manchester City hosted Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad Stadium for the second matchday of the Champions League group stage. For football fans, it was an exceptional evening, featuring a masterclass from the Rouge et Bleu in the first half, followed by an attempted comeback from the Citizens in the second. After a high-intensity encounter, the Parisians emerged victorious, winning 2–4 (see the video highlights of Manchester vs. PSG). Ousmane Dembélé, who scored the second goal of the night, spoke at length with Canal+ about the match and the criticism he had been facing.
How are you doing?
I’m doing well, how about you?
Has Paris set the record straight?
Honestly, we couldn’t care less that people doubted us. It’s only October—this is just the second Champions League match—and we’re staying focused. We need to stay on track and then prepare for the second half of the season. The second half was tougher because we eased off—we shouldn’t have—but we’ll take the positives from it.
Dembélé: “We did ease off a bit in the second half.”
You didn’t hear, see, or read anything that was said about you during the international break? And you didn’t feel any desire tonight, in a big Champions League match, to set the record straight?
Not at all, really. After the international break, I went on vacation. In fact, I might even ask for some more time off if possible!
It feels like when you decide to “flip the switch,” you’re better than everyone else, doesn’t it?
No, not necessarily better—we just know that the team has great quality. It was a good match against a great City side. In this match, we had a huge amount of space, and we made excellent use of it—especially in the first half. We were very clinical inside the box and managed to build a lead. In the second half, however, we eased off a bit; City is a good side, and when you relax against strong opponents and top-quality players like that, you pay a heavy price in the Champions League.
Don’t listen to the critics—just keep doing what you’re doing; you’re doing great.
Honestly, I’ve been criticized for ten years now; that’s not going to change. We also have a squad full of quality players, and sometimes you need to catch your breath.
Congratulations.
I really enjoy playing on Tuesdays or Wednesdays—especially when I’m coming back from a break; it’s a real pleasure.
If things keep going like this, will Luis Enrique give you some time off for the next match?
Yeah, maybe he’ll rest me until March! It’s the coach who decides.
Yes or no: do you want to play every single match, or do you think the current situation makes sense?
I’m a footballer, and I love playing in every match—but in a 70-game season, I can’t play them all. When you’re a competitor, it’s tough to be on the bench. It’s great to play and string matches together, but we have a lot of quality players, and sometimes you just need to catch your breath.
