Luis Enrique Praises Dembele’s Stellar Performance
Paris Saint-Germain’s manager, Luis Enrique, was effusive in his praise for Ousmane Dembele following the team’s convincing 3-0 victory in the knockout round play-off first leg against Brest. The match, held at Stade de Roudourou, saw Vitinha open the scoring with a penalty in the 21st minute. However, it was Dembele who stole the show, netting a brace with two unstoppable left-footed shots. The first goal came right before halftime, and the second saw him pounce on a loose ball in the Brest box, firing past goalkeeper Marco Bizot. Enrique’s post-match comments to TNT Sports were a testament to Dembele’s form: "Ousmane is in a huge moment of confidence and he’s now like the PlayStation player with the light above him! But as a whole team, we try to defend and attack together, and we are happy with the performance." The manager also expressed his gratitude for the club and the players, emphasizing the collective effort and the privilege of working with such a talented group.
Joe Cole’s Admiration for Dembele
Pundit Joe Cole, known for his keen eye for talent, was quick to heap praise on Dembele. Speaking after the game, Cole marveled at the winger’s performance, calling him the "most in-form player in Europe" at the moment. "PSG, every criticism that we’ve labeled on them over the last four, five, six, seven years – opposite tonight," he said. "They were intense, professional, and aggressive. Considering they limped into this part of the tournament, they looked so assured, they’re riding high in the league again." Cole’s admiration for Dembele was evident: "In Dembele, they’ve got probably the most in-form player, let alone winger, in European football. And when he’s on form, with his attributes, he’s unstoppable." This performance, which included a hat-trick against Brest just 10 days ago in Ligue 1, has solidified Dembele’s status as a key player for PSG.
Dembele’s Journey from Barcelona to Paris
The journey of Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona to Paris has been a tale of transformation. When Barcelona spent a staggering £135.5 million to bring him from Dortmund in 2017, high expectations were placed on his shoulders. However, injuries and inconsistency plagued his time in Spain, leading to criticisms and doubts about his potential. Since his move to Paris under the guidance of former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, Dembele has begun to deliver on the promise that was always evident. Cole, before the match, noted, "It’s a lot of money that clubs have spent on this man and he’s shown flashes of it. I love him and admire him; he makes things happen. He’s a throwback, he gets the ball and he’s direct." Cole added, "I think he’s enjoying being the main man. He’s not been given that, he’s taken that in his group of players, and I think he’s really enjoying that." This newfound confidence and leadership on the field have been critical to his resurgence.
PSG’s Professional Performance
The match against Brest was more than just a showcase for Dembele; it was a testament to PSG’s overall professionalism and control. This was only the second time that two French sides had met in the Champions League, but PSG’s performance left no doubt about their dominance. Former defender Joleon Lescott commented, "They play with a level of confidence and control, but not with the level of arrogance that you would associate with PSG teams in the past." Lescott noted that Brest had a brief spell in the first half but was otherwise completely overpowered. "When they wanted to attack, how they wanted to attack, the fluidity and interchanging of the forwards. It was a really professional performance from PSG." The result leaves Brest with a monumental task in the second leg at the Parc des Princes, a venue they have not won at since 1981.
Looking Ahead to the Next Round
With one eye on the next round, PSG is eager to banish the memories of their past struggles in the Champions League. The Galacticos sides of previous seasons often faltered in the latter stages, but this current PSG team looks different. They play with a sense of confidence and control without the arrogance that has sometimes marred their performances. In the second leg, PSG will face either Liverpool or Barcelona, with Arne Slot’s side having topped the league phase of the competition. Only a 3-2 loss to PSV on the final matchday prevented them from finishing unbeaten. Regardless of the opponent, PSG’s form and Dembele’s scintillating performances suggest they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
TNT Sports Coverage of European Football
For fans eager to follow PSG’s journey and other European football action, TNT Sports will be the go-to destination. The network will show over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League, and the UEFA Conference League across the 2024-25 season. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes both TNT Sports and entertainment in one convenient package. With comprehensive coverage and insightful analysis from experts like Joe Cole and Joleon Lescott, discovery+ promises to be an essential part of any football fan’s experience.
