After Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-1 defeat against Rennes on Friday night, everyone was abuzz with Ousmane Dembélé’s comments to Ligue 1+. The 28-year-old forward emphasized that his team must once again play with PSG first, as they did last season, and put aside any self-interest. Interpretations flew thick and fast, with Désiré Doué (the 20-year-old midfielder/forward) being the main target. Some saw the beginnings of a rift, even a crisis. RMC Sport investigated the situation.
“The individualism being invoked encompasses several players.”
“Désiré Doué was quickly singled out, particularly on social media, as the target of the number 10. But the reality is more complex. Firstly, because the two players, who share the same professional network, maintain a very good relationship. Secondly, because the individualism being invoked encompasses several players.” Moreover, it’s not entirely impossible that the former Rennes player included himself in the criticism. In any case, by taking a strong stance, shared by several key players in the locker room, Ousmane Dembélé is embracing his role as vice-captain.
“There was no need to dramatize these remarks”
Following this statement, Paris Saint-Germain explained that it was a message sent to the team and that there was no need to dramatize these remarks, which aimed to remobilize a group that cannot afford to rest while Lens can reclaim first place at the end of this 22nd matchday. In recent weeks, behaviors deemed selfish have been observed at the PSG training ground. The staff made sure to tell those involved.
Coach Luis Enrique emphasized that it was simply a statement made in the heat of the moment after a defeat, a time when there is inevitably tension. Words, therefore, are largely meaningless, and in any case, no player is better than PSG. This has allowed some to amplify the idea of a crisis. Yet, the situation seems quite simple.
The Parisians are angry after the defeat, another poor result in a season lacking fluidity. So, the emphasis is being placed on changing aspects of their play and striving for improvement. Since results alone aren’t enough to fully trigger the right reaction, it’s possible to try using strong words.
We don’t understand all the melodrama surrounding it, with the desire to know exactly who is being targeted and why. Dembélé spoke about the entire group. Doué is part of that, as are other players. Including himself, as RMC Sport reminds us, even if with a degree of uncertainty. This uncertainty also sums up the situation well: there are interpretations coming from outside, without any real knowledge. Above all, we’ll wait for the reaction on the pitch.
