Luis Enrique Downplays Dembélé Return, Emphasizes Collective Advancement for PSG
Paris, France – Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique addressed the media ahead of his team’s Ligue 1 clash against Le Havre, offering updates on player fitness and outlining his overarching philosophy for the club. The coach remained tight-lipped regarding a definitive return date for winger ousmane Dembélé, while stressing the importance of team cohesion over individual star power.
Enrique began by acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding Dembélé’s recovery. “I’m not a doctor,” he stated,deflecting direct questions about a timeline. However, he did offer a cautiously optimistic update, noting that Dembélé “is improving” and “possibly” began light training today. He emphasized patience, stating a return will only come when the player “feels good in training” in the “coming weeks.”
Enrique also addressed concerns surrounding veteran defender Marquinhos and his continued leadership role. He defended the player’s quality and professionalism,stating,”If a player,after competing in 399 games,must accept criticism… I think his quality and professionalism,as a defender,also with the ball,is top.” enrique added that he plans to discuss marquinhos’ physical condition ahead of a demanding eight-game stretch leading up to January, encompassing league play, the Coupe de France, and the Intercontinental competition.
Enrique firmly dismissed speculation regarding the best midfield configuration, specifically concerning João Neves. “I don’t know.I’m not interested in these debates,” he said. He reiterated his commitment to improving the entire squad, not just a select few. “Ther are many players, many who can act in the middle, like Mayulu, Zaïre-Emery, Ndjantou, doué, Lee…” he explained. “I seek to improve all the players. It’s not positive in a team to individualize.”
The coach also touched upon his unconventional approach of observing training sessions from the stands, a tactic he first employed at Celta de Vigo. He explained that he adopted the practice to gain a broader outlook of the team dynamics. “I can see all the players,” he said, adding that he seeks any advantage to improve his performance as a coach.
Regarding the current injury situation, Enrique admitted to uncertainty.”I don’t know,” he stated, noting that only six players participated in training yesterday.He anticipates a clearer picture after today’s session,which will determine player availability for tomorrow’s match.
Looking ahead, Enrique acknowledged the challenging schedule.”We are going to play eight games, also the Cup. And the intercontinental,” he said. “It is indeed a period of games as always. One more game than in the last two international windows, with the same idea of improving.”
When asked about coaching influences, Enrique stated that he initially emulated his previous mentors but ultimately developed his own approach thru extensive study. He described a typical training session with a limited number of players – often just three during international breaks – as focused on regaining “the feeling with the ball.”
when pressed on whether João Neves is the best midfielder in the world, Enrique skillfully sidestepped the question, acknowledging that elevating one player inevitably leads to comparisons and potential complications. “If I put Neves among the best, the next questio
