Luis Enrique has shown “forbearance” by re-inviting Ousmane Dembelé to the Paris St. Germain squad for Sunday’s league game. The attacker had recently been absent for disciplinary reasons.
On Sunday morning, the club made it official on its social media channels: Ousmane Dembelé’s name is back on the Paris St. Germain squad list. This is exactly where the 27-year-old was missing from during the week in the Champions League – for disciplinary reasons.
“If someone doesn’t meet the expectations of the team or respect them, it means they’re not ready to play,” said head coach Luis Enrique on Monday, explaining the decision to leave out his attacker (4 goals and 3 assists in 6 league games), who had actually started the season strongly, in the Champions League away game at Arsenal (0-2).
But according to French media reports, there was an altercation between the coach and player last weekend after the 3-1 win against Stade Rennes. Luis Enrique is said to have been unhappy with some of his winger’s decisions on the field.
PSG: Luis Enrique is “forgiving”
On Saturday, Luis Enrique had once again defended his decision. “I’m tough when I need to be tough and lenient when I can be,” said the 54-year-old, once again emphasizing the “obligations” of the team that each player must fulfill. “If they make a serious mistake, I’ll make the right decision, whether it’s easy or difficult.” But as long as it’s in the interest of the team.
At the same time, however, Luis Enrique had emphasized that he did not want the matter to degenerate into a “soap opera”. There are no alleged problems between him and Dembelé. Therefore, the demotion only lasted for one game – and Luis Enrique is being “lenient” again ahead of the league clash with Nice on Sunday evening.
