Ousmane Dembele's Limited Minutes Stir Debate as PSG Prepares for Manchester City Clash
The recent limited involvement of Ousmane Dembele in Paris Saint-Germain's matches has sparked a strong debate in French football circles. The Ballon d'Or winner has been frequently rested by coach Luis Enrique, prompting pundits to question whether this cautious approach will help or hinder the forward before key Champions League encounters.
PSG’s Careful Approach to Dembele
This season, PSG have chosen to rest Dembele regularly. For instance, he was completely sidelined during their 3-1 win over Le Mans, similar to his absence in an earlier game against Lille. Officially, according to RMC Sport, the club cites the need to preserve him ahead of their crucial match against Manchester City. Yet, Dembele’s recent performances as France captain against Italy and Belgium have not been convincing, raising doubts about his match sharpness under Luis Enrique.
Christophe Dugarry Foresees Conflict
"PSG must have data we don’t see, but at some point, this is going to create tension," said Christophe Dugarry. "His games with Paris are average, and the same with the French team, which will get to his head eventually. Are they scared he'll get injured, or do they want him fresh for February? But how long do you keep resting him until then? This method is quite surprising."
Dugarry also challenged the message being sent to Dembele, emphasizing the contradiction between resting the Ballon d’Or winner so much despite his hefty contract and expected performance level. He questioned, "What do you say to a player who is supposed to be the star when you only play him one out of every three matches? What image does that send?"
Eric Di Meco Defends Luis Enrique's Strategy
In contrast, Eric Di Meco defended the coach’s tactics. He pointed out that Luis Enrique has maximized Dembele’s output before by managing his minutes carefully, such as during his time at Arsenal. "Criticizing the coach who helped you become double European champions doesn't make sense," Di Meco said. The forward now faces the challenge to prove his worth when PSG take on Manchester City on Wednesday.
Upcoming Fixture
- Match: Manchester City vs Paris Saint-Germain
- Date & Time: 14 Oct 2026, 22:00
- Competition: Champions League
