Luis Enrique explains Ousmane Dembele’s reduced role in PSG defeat

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele was surprised to be left out of Luis Enrique’s starting line-up for Friday’s 2-1 defeat by Monaco, according to reports in France.

PSG fell to their first defeat of the Ligue 1 campaign in the third round of the competition, with the result leaving them 13th in the table on two points.

Dembele began the match on the bench and was introduced in the 68th minute, but he was unable to change the outcome as Monaco secured victory. Goal, citing French newspaper L’Equipe, reported that the France international had not expected to be omitted from the starting side.

The report said Dembele had anticipated being selected after being given time to rest away from the team camp. That break meant the decision to leave him among the substitutes came as a surprise to the player.

However, Dembele’s relationship with Enrique remains positive, with no tension reported between the forward and the Spanish manager.

Enrique explained that his decision was part of a plan to manage Dembele’s workload following a demanding start to the season. Speaking to French broadcaster Canal+, he said: “With each player, the circumstances are different. Ousmane put in a lot of effort in the UEFA Super Cup and the French Champions Trophy, and after that he had a little rest.”

The PSG manager added: “Against Monaco he played 20 or 25 minutes at a very good level, and now we are starting to increase his playing time. We will continue like this in the coming matches.”

Dembele’s limited involvement came after his appearances in the UEFA Super Cup and the French Champions Trophy, competitions which Enrique referred to when explaining the decision. The manager indicated that the forward’s minutes would be increased progressively rather than immediately restoring him to a full starting role.

PSG will now turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League. They are preparing to face Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday, and Dembele is expected to return to the starting line-up after the rest he has been given.

The setback against Monaco leaves PSG with two points after three Ligue 1 matches and in 13th place. Dembele’s return to the starting side would provide Enrique with another attacking option as the club begins its European campaign, although the manager’s comments suggest that the player’s involvement will continue to be managed carefully.

For now, the decision to leave Dembele out against Monaco has been presented as a workload-management measure rather than a sign of a breakdown between the player and his manager.