Luis Enrique Clarifies Dembélé’s Absence: A Matter of Player Recovery

Luis Enrique clarifies Ousmane Dembélé’s absence

Paris, August 2023 – In a recent press conference, Paris Saint-Germain’s head coach, Luis Enrique, addressed the concerns surrounding Ousmane Dembélé’s absence from the team this week. Enrique explained that this decision was purely for the player’s recovery.

Dembélé’s Rest for Recovery

The absence of the Paris Saint-Germain forward raised a few eyebrows, but the Spanish coach was quick to clear the air. He assured that the decision was part of a recovery plan for the player. “Last year, we also provided recovery periods to players such as Dembélé, Hakimi, and Mbappé,” Enrique shared.

He further elaborated, “Dembélé exerted significant effort this summer to participate in the Super Cup finals during his vacation. I hold him in high regard; he is, and will continue to be, a pivotal player and leader for us on the field.” This statement provided a clear perspective on Dembélé’s situation.

Fresh Players for a Demanding Season

With PSG’s season now underway and Champions League matches looming in early September, Luis Enrique is focused on maintaining a squad that is in peak physical condition. The coach emphasized the necessity of having fresh players to cope with the demanding schedule.

During the press conference, he stressed the importance of allowing extra rest for some players. Ousmane Dembélé is expected to resume training the following Monday. “It’s crucial to highlight this,” Enrique said. “For those who had less rest due to the World Cup, I’m always willing to grant additional days off. It’s essential for players to disconnect.”

This approach underscores Enrique’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being and performance of his players as PSG heads into a challenging season.