Problems in paradise – Dembele disrupts the calm at PSG ahead of the UCL clash
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 17.02.26. | 12:27
The Frenchman made comments after Paris Saint-Germain’s defeat to Rennes, which triggered a strong reaction from Luis Enrique
Ousmane Dembele’s remarks following Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-1 loss to Stade Rennais on last Friday have sparked significant debate in France. Ahead of tonight’s Champions League knockout phase playoff first leg against AS Monaco, PSG head coach Luis Enrique made it clear that no individual will ever be allowed to overshadow the club.
The Spaniard was reacting to Dembele’s post-match comments after the shock Ligue 1 defeat, which saw the reigning champions relinquish top spot to Lens. The French winger appeared to criticise the team’s mentality, suggesting PSG had drifted away from the collective identity that helped them win the Champions League last season, stating: "If we play as individuals, it won't work."
Luis Enrique dismissed the criticism and delivered a firm response: "The players' statements after the match are worthless. Absolutely worthless. I will never allow any player to be above the club. So, it's clear. I am the person responsible for the team. I will not allow any player to think that he is more important than the club. Not me, not the sporting director, not the president."
🚨🎙️| Luis Enrique speaks on Ousmane Dembele’s statement:
— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) February 13, 2026
“I will never allow a player to be above the club. On that point, it's clear. The person responsible for the team is me, neither I, nor the sporting director, nor the president. These statements are worth nothing. They… pic.twitter.com/gMaqGhOmqt
PSG had the chance to build a four-point cushion at the top of the table but instead suffered a surprising defeat to a Rennes side without a manager. Musa Al-Taamari opened the scoring before Esteban Lepaul doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 69th minute. Dembele reduced the deficit against his former club, but Breel Embolo sealed the result late on.
After the match, the Ballon d’Or winner again pointed to issues within the squad, saying: "Above all, we have to play for PSG in order to win matches. If we play as individuals on the pitch, it won't work; we won't win the titles we want."
PSG now turn their focus to a two-legged clash with Monaco, hoping to reach the Champions League last 16 after finishing 11th in the league phase and failing to fully capitalise on last season’s European triumph.
🚨 Ousmane Dembélé after PSG defeat vs Rennes: “Last season, we put the club, the badge, Paris Saint-Germain first before thinking about ourselves”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 13, 2026
“We need to find that again, especially in these kind of matches. We got off to a very poor start in the match”.
“We need to show… pic.twitter.com/8V8TWLR83w
On the eve of the Monaco tie, Dembele’s comments remained a hot topic, with Joao Neves also addressing the situation. “The atmosphere is good in the dressing room. The players are confident, the mood is good and we are ready for tomorrow. I think Ousmane already spoke about it." He added: “When we have something to say to certain players, we say it to their face.”
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - PLAYOFFS
First leg
Tuesday
20.45: (3.60) Galatasaray (3.50) Juventus (2.15)
23.00: (4.20) Benfica (3.60) Real Madrid (1.95)
23.00: (2.10) Dortmund (3.50) Atalanta (3.80)
23.00: (5.70) Monaco (4.50) PSG (1.60)
Wednesday
20.45: (7.75) Qarabag (4.50) Newcastle (1.42)
23.00: (5.00) Bodo (3.90) Inter (1.68)
23.00: (3.85) Club Brugge (3.90) Atl.Madrid (1.95)
23.00: (2.50) Olympiakos (3.35) Leverkusen (2.85)
***odds are subject to change***