Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Luis Enrique is convinced forward Ousmane Dembele can improve on his 2024–25 season, when he spearheaded PSG’s treble win and emerged as one of the leading Ballon d’Or contenders.
The 28-year-old Dembele emerged from the shadow of former PSG star Kylian Mbappe last season and proved instrumental in the side’s Champions League-winning run and continued to impress in the Club World Cup, where PSG finished runner-up.
Dembele, who scored 35 goals and made 16 assists last season, kept PSG alive in last week’s UEFA Super Cup, setting up Goncalo Ramos’ 94th-minute equaliser before new goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier drew praise for his saves in the penalty shootout win over Tottenham Hotspur.
“I think this season is a big challenge for Ousmane. Last year was incredible, yet I am convinced that he can improve his performance, without a doubt,” Luis Enrique said ahead of Friday’s home game against Angers.
“You have to be very brave to say that (about Dembele), but I think he has got the level. He is a really important player for us. He has quality in attack and also in defence. I can see how happy he is; I hope this year will be even better.”
Friday’s game will be PSG’s first at the Parc des Princes in three months and mark home debuts for Chevalier and defender Illia Zabarnyi.
The club will also present its five trophies (Ligue 1, French Cup, Champions League, French Super Cup and UEFA Super Cup) in front of the home crowd.
“It’s very important for us to see our fans again and return to the Parc des Princes after 10 away matches. We’ve really missed the stadium and the fans. We know that the atmosphere always makes a difference,” Luis Enrique said.
Published on Aug 21, 2025
