Luis Enrique defends Dembélé and calls journalists "extremists"

Ousmane Dembélé will not be on the pitch this Saturday for the Ligue 1 clash against Le Mans. Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has chosen to rest the French winger and used the pre-match press conference to push back against the criticism the attacker received during the recent World Cup, making it clear that his assessment of Dembélé's performances is completely different from that of his detractors.

• Dembélé is left out of the squad for the match against Le Mans due to rotation.
• Luis Enrique rejects criticism of the winger's World Cup and describes him as "brilliant".
• The Spaniard confirms that Nuno Mendes and Ousmane Dembélé will rest to prepare for upcoming Ligue 1 and Champions League fixtures.
• The coach hits back at the media and accuses journalists of holding "extremist" positions.
• PSG head into the game in sixth place, five points behind leaders Monaco.

Dembélé ruled out of Le Mans clash by Luis Enrique

The French international will miss the Parisian club's visit to Le Mans in this round of Ligue 1 fixtures. This is not a matter of injury or suspension: the absence comes down to the workload management being applied by the coaching staff following the international break.

The Asturian coach explained that Dembélé is a player who is always available, always willing to take on opponents and constantly linking up with his teammates. With that accumulated demand added to his international commitments with France, the staff have opted for individualised rotation to ensure players arrive in the best possible condition for key Ligue 1 and Champions League matches.

Luis Enrique hits back at criticism of Dembélé's World Cup

Dembélé's performances during the World Cup generated debate in France. Luis Enrique does not share that view and made his position clear in the press room. The coach said the winger was brilliant, just as he usually is whenever he pulls on the national team shirt, and stressed that he is a different kind of footballer, the sort of player who justifies the price of a ticket on his own.

"I don't agree (with the criticism). For me, he was brilliant, as he always is when he plays for the national team. He is a different player. It is easy to buy a ticket to watch Ousmane Dembélé in a stadium."

Nuno Mendes and Dembélé rotation sets the tone for PSG's season

Luis Enrique explained that the decision to bench Dembélé is not an isolated move. Nuno Mendes will also be rested this weekend. The coach's message was clear: after the international break, every player is assessed individually and rotations are scheduled according to their accumulated workload.

The Asturian warned that this dynamic will be repeated throughout the season. PSG's calendar demands careful management of resources, especially in a campaign in which the project is aiming to compete for every trophy and to correct an inconsistent start in domestic competition.

PSG need a reaction in Ligue 1

The Parisian side's start to the season has fallen short of expectations. With the team sitting in sixth place and five points behind leaders Monaco, every fixture carries added weight. The trip to Le Mans, newcomers to the division, should provide an opportunity to pick up three points and keep PSG in the fight for the top positions.

Criticism of the collective performances has not gone unnoticed by Luis Enrique, who responded firmly to how the team's situation is being covered. The Asturian believes the press tends to move between extremes and sees his role as balancing those positions.

Luis Enrique's message to the press: "You are always extremists"

Asked about the mediocre start to the season, Luis Enrique did not limit himself to football matters. The coach pointed to what he considers a recurring trend in journalism and defended his own approach to assessments, both positive and negative.

"Journalists, you are always extremists and I always try to counter your positions."

The statement reinforces the image of a Luis Enrique who does not shy away from verbal sparring with the media and who fiercely defends his players, especially those like Dembélé who have been at the centre of public debate.

Frequently asked questions about Dembélé's rest and PSG