Ousmane Dembélé’s difficult start to the season has opened a debate over performance, expectation and the public duty of elite coaches. Paris Saint-Germain’s 2025 Ballon d’Or winner has returned from international duty with firm backing from both Luis Enrique and France coach Zinédine Zidane, despite scrutiny of his recent form.
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Dembélé has recorded two goals and four assists in seven appearances in all competitions for PSG this season, a return considered below the level expected of a player carrying the Ballon d’Or.
His France displays have also been questioned during the first international camp under Zidane. Used centrally and on the right against Belgium in France’s latest match, Dembélé struggled to make his usual impact. Zidane had nevertheless defended both the forward and his tactical choices after the 1-1 draw with Italy.
The France manager said he had been satisfied with Dembélé in the two matches he started, praising the attacker’s movement and willingness to drift from his assigned position. Zidane argued that a player’s contribution should not be reduced to goals, adding that he had little to criticise in Dembélé’s work.
Luis Enrique extended that protection at his Friday press conference, describing Dembélé’s international break as “brilliant, as usual”. The PSG coach said the Frenchman is the type of player supporters can happily buy a ticket to watch, because he constantly seeks the ball, attempts shots and combines with teammates.
“He is always willing to show himself, shoot and link up with the others,” Luis Enrique said. “He was very good.”
Former PSG midfielder Jérôme Rothen strongly disagreed with the positive messaging. He argued that France and PSG should acknowledge that Dembélé is enduring a poor spell rather than present every aspect of his game favourably.
Rothen said Dembélé’s opening weeks with PSG had fallen short of his talent, while his four appearances for France had also not reflected the standard expected from the Ballon d’Or holder. He maintained that he still believes in the player, but called for more honesty from coaches.
“There have been positive things, and others that were not good enough,” Rothen said. “Why keep sending messages that players need protecting? What exactly are you protecting?”
Emmanuel Petit took the opposite view, saying he fully understood Luis Enrique’s approach. The former France midfielder said a top-level manager should not attack one of his own players in public, unless poor performances are repeatedly accompanied by bad behaviour inside the dressing room.
Former France goalkeeper Benoît Costil also backed Luis Enrique’s stance. He said the PSG coach could not “tear into” Dembélé over his international performances, particularly in October, with major targets ahead and the need to manage leading players’ egos.
