Luis Enrique jokes about Ousmane Dembele’s holiday request

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has responded humorously to Ousmane Dembele’s suggestion that he could ask for more time off after starring in the club’s 4-2 Champions League victory over Manchester City.

The French forward joked about extending his holidays after scoring and providing an assist in Wednesday’s win at the Etihad Stadium. Dembélé had recently been rested for PSG’s Ligue 1 encounter against Le Mans following the international break, returning refreshed for the European fixture.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of PSG’s trip to Strasbourg, Luis Enrique played along with his player’s comments while praising his attitude and enthusiasm.

“He is the boss! If he wants holidays, he just has to ask and he will get them!” the Spanish coach said.

“But he jokes all the time. I like the way he lives football and his passion for the game. It was clearly a joke, but I am always open to giving players what they want, within reasonable limits,” he added.

Luis Enrique also explained that managing the squad’s workload is part of his responsibility, particularly with PSG facing a demanding schedule across Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

The coach acknowledged that players naturally want to start every match but stressed that rotation is necessary throughout a long season.

“They know it is impossible to start every match. They know that is my responsibility,” he explained.

Luis Enrique ended his response with another playful remark about what constitutes a holiday at PSG.

“Being on holiday all the time… being on holiday means coming to the Campus to train. That is what being on holiday means.”

Dembélé’s comments came after an impressive performance against Manchester City, and PSG will hope the forward maintains that form when they face Strasbourg before returning to Champions League action.