Dembélé’s Missed Chances Spark Criticism After PSG’s UCL Win

On Wednesday evening, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) faced off against Girona in their Champions League opener, securing a 1-0 victory. However, Ousmane Dembélé’s performance was a mix of brilliance and frustration, particularly highlighted by a glaring missed opportunity in the second half. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, coach Luis Enrique urged the French forward to enhance his finishing skills.

PSG’s Champions League Debut: A Mixed Bag

PSG kicked off their Champions League campaign with a crucial win, claiming all three points. Despite the victory, the team struggled to find rhythm, and a less-than-stellar showing from Ousmane Dembélé hindered their efforts to seize control early on. Although Dembélé has displayed impressive form at the start of the season, he squandered a significant one-on-one chance against Paulo Gazzaniga during the match against Girona.

Catalan Media Criticism of Dembélé

The Catalan press, notably Sport, was quick to criticize Dembélé’s performance. They stated, “The worst version of Ousmane Dembélé reappears in the Champions League. Not only did the Frenchman fail in front of goal, but he also exasperated his teammates, such as Zaïre-Emery, by letting a ball slip out of bounds without realizing it came from his own teammates. This is not the first time he has delivered such a performance in Europe.”

Coach’s Call for Improvement in Efficiency

While acknowledging Dembélé’s undeniable talent, Luis Enrique emphasized the need for improvement in his efficiency during the press conference. He remarked, “Ousmane is similar to last season, perhaps a bit more effective in his finishing. He has always been crucial for us, possessing a unique ability to take on opponents. However, he may need to focus more on his efficiency. The version of Dembélé we saw last year was very good, and it has improved this year, and we are working to make it even better.”