On Wednesday, during Matchday 2 of the 2026-2027 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Manchester City (8th) at the Etihad Stadium (kick-off at 9 p.m., CET). On the eve of the match, Paris forward Ousmane Dembélé (29) answered several questions at a press conference.
Dembélé: “There’s nothing to say about it.”
How necessary was the break?
I spoke with the coach, and he told me I’d have a few days off. I got some good rest with my family and friends—it was very calm and quiet. There’s nothing more to say about it (laughs).
What is your take on Désiré Doué? Where does he rank in the world of dribbling? Are there any moves of his you envy?
He’s one of the most talented players in the world; we know his ability to dribble and be decisive. He’s an important player for us—that’s why PSG signed him. He has a great career ahead of him, even though he’s already achieved a lot. As for his dribbling, it’s hard to pick just one move or even replicate them. He’s a truly talented player. His mindset is excellent, too. He has a great career ahead of him.
Dembélé: “The coach manages the workload for the whole squad very well. You have to trust him.”
You’ve said you don’t play enough, yet you’re getting rest—what should we make of that?
I spoke with the coach after the match with the French national team, and he agreed that I wouldn’t play on Saturday. Like I said, it’s not really an issue (smiles). When I need rest, he lets me know. I’m a competitor; I want to play. But with 70–80 matches a season, you can’t play them all. The coach manages the workload for the whole squad very well. You just have to trust him, that’s all (smiles).
Dembélé: “A truly incredible goalkeeper who can change the course of a match.”
What’s it like to be reunited with Donnarumma? What memories come to mind?
We have a great relationship; we talk quite often. He’s number one—a truly incredible, exceptional goalkeeper. I couldn’t make it to his wedding, but I sent him plenty of messages. He’s a friend, a truly incredible goalkeeper who can change the course of a match.
Do you feel like you need more recovery time?
(Laughs) Like I said, over the last two seasons, we’ve played more than 60 games. It’s the coach who decides. He manages the entire squad’s workload very well. He knows what I need and what I don’t. It’s not an issue. We actually laugh about it in the dressing room when the topic of days off comes up.
Dembélé: “We know what to expect.”
How do you view this match against Manchester City? Is it the first real test of the season?
It’s a big match against a very good team with top-quality players. They have a great coach. We know it won’t be easy, but we’ll prepare well to secure the three points tomorrow. It’s not a decisive match, but we want to win it. We’re competitors. We’ll prepare properly; we know what to expect.
Is this a chance to send a message to the rest of Europe?
(Laughs) No, we aren’t trying to send a message to all of Europe. It’s only October; there’s still a long way to go in the season. You’ve seen in recent seasons when it really counts. Even though this matters too—we’ve played in the play-off round before and we want to finish in the top eight—we’ve actually had success in the play-offs. There’s a tough match ahead, and others to follow. We’re preparing calmly.
Dembélé: “We’re playing with composure; I’m confident about the future.”
How do you assess the start of the season?
It’s going very well; I’m happy. It’s still October. There’s nothing extraordinary going on. We’re playing with composure, and I’m confident about the future. I’m happy with the way the team is playing. We needed to bounce back—since we hadn’t won our opening Ligue 1 games—and find a steady rhythm.
We need to prepare well for the upcoming matches. We know it won’t be easy, but I’m very calm and confident. The team is clicking, and quite a few new players have settled in well. It’s the first part of the season; we just need to stay on track, and that’s it. Is it about consistency—PSG starting slowly, knowing you’ll eventually step on the gas and ramp things up?
I don’t know if we’ll necessarily ramp things up (smiles). But we try; we’re competitors, and we always want to win every match. We know it can be tough at times. There are very good teams out there, and opponents know us a bit better now, too.
The team is calm and composed. We know that when the big moments arrive, we’ll need to show our true quality. We’ve had three straight wins in Ligue 1 and a good start in the Champions League. There will be tough matches ahead, but we remain calm and focused.
Dembélé: “It’s going to be tough.”
Matches against City have been turning points for you in the past; is this one special? Did you threaten Donnarumma about scoring against him?
We started the banter while with the French national team; he saved a shot of mine and teased me about it (smiles). He’s a world-class goalkeeper who has already proven himself. He’s among the very best in the world. Manchester City is a massive team with excellent players and they’ve made a great start to the season. We know what to expect.
It’s a unique period for City given the financial sanctions; is this a good time to face them?
It’s always difficult; there’s no such thing as a good or bad time. They have world-class players and a top-tier manager. It’s going to be a tough match.
