Luis Enrique Defends Dembélé Ahead of PSG Match Against Le Mans

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has defended Ousmane Dembélé following criticism of the forward's performances for France under new national team coach Zinedine Zidane. The dispute comes as PSG prepare to host Le Mans at the Parc des Princes on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 8:45 p.m., with Dembélé given additional rest after international duty.

Dembélé's absence from the match has attracted attention because PSG have already rested the Ballon d'Or winner once earlier this season. According to Foot Mercato, the forward's inconsistent start to the campaign has raised questions about his current form, particularly after four appearances for France that fell short of expectations.

Luis Enrique, who previously coached Spain's national team, said he had watched France during the international break. The PSG manager rejected negative assessments of Dembélé and praised the forward's contribution to the national side.

"I disagree with the criticism. For me, he was brilliant, as he usually is when he plays for the national team. He is a different player.

You can comfortably pay for a ticket to watch Ousmane Dembélé in a stadium. He is always there, making himself available, always there to shoot and build connections with his teammates. I think he did very well," Luis Enrique said.

The Spanish coach explained that Dembélé's additional rest was part of PSG's approach this season rather than a direct response to the criticism. Nuno Mendes also received extra time off following the international break, according to Foot Mercato.

Luis Enrique acknowledged that his public assessments can sometimes counterbalance the prevailing tone of media coverage. He argued that journalists frequently adopt extreme positions when evaluating players.

"Journalists, you are always extreme, and I always try to balance things out," Luis Enrique said.

Former France international Jérôme Rothen challenged the coach's defense during a discussion on RMC. Rothen argued that Dembélé needed an honest assessment of his performances rather than public reassurance from his club manager.

"When you are a player like Ousmane Dembélé, do you think he needs to hear that his national team coach is happy with him and that Luis Enrique considers him brilliant? From the warm-up, you can tell whether you are involved and whether you are going to have a good game. Ousmane is certainly struggling with several things at the moment.

His start to the season with PSG has been poor and below his talent level. His four matches with the French national team have been nowhere near what he is capable of. He is the Ballon d'Or winner, after all," Rothen said.

Rothen added that he still believed in Dembélé despite the difficult period. He questioned whether protecting players from criticism was the right approach and called for more balanced public assessments from coaches.

"I am not giving up on him because I believe in him. This is a difficult period for him. Tell us the truth.

If Luis Enrique or Zinedine Zidane says, 'He played, there were some positive things and some things that did not go well, but we will correct them at the next international camp,' is that so terrible? Stop sending these messages about protecting players. What are you protecting?"

Rothen said.

PSG enter their match against Le Mans after a 2-1 comeback victory over Olympique de Marseille before the international break. Ferran Torres and captain Marquinhos scored in the second half, but Torres remained uncertain for the next fixture after leaving Spain's national team camp early with pain in his left ankle, according to RMC Sport.

Le Mans arrive in Paris following a 2-1 win over Lorient. Adil Bourabaa scored in the third minute, while Habib Diallo added another goal in the 57th minute, giving the visitors momentum ahead of their meeting with PSG.