French striker Ousmane Dembélé is preparing for the Champions League duel between Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, after having been withdrawn from the Ligue 1 match against Le Mans on Saturday by decision of coach Luis Enrique. Dembélé, who did not play in the last day of the league, affirms that the rest was a load management measure that the coach communicated to him, and that he fully trusts his judgment. “It is the coach who decides, he manages the issue and the workload of the squad very well,” he commented at today's press conference, adding that, although he wants to participate in all the games, a season of 70 or 80 games makes it impossible to play each one.
PSG, seeking its third consecutive Champions League final, faces City at the Etihad Stadium next Wednesday. Dembélé, who has received two breaks since the start of the season, is satisfied with his performance and with the integration of the new signings. "I'm happy, we're still in October. I'm very calm about what's to come. The team is also working well," he added. The forward highlights that the club does not intend to “send any message” to Europe in this intermediate phase, since the season is still far from over and the main objective remains to finish among the top eight in the table.
Regarding the rivalry with City, Dembélé recognizes the difficulty of facing a team with world-class players and a top-level coach, although he is not discouraged. "It is always difficult to play against them, whether in a good or bad moment. They have world-class players and a top-level coach," he explained. The forward also anticipates the meeting with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, a former teammate at PSG, with whom he maintains a good personal relationship. "He is number 1, a truly incredible goalkeeper. I couldn't attend his wedding this summer, but I sent him many messages. He is a spectacular goalkeeper, capable of making great saves," he commented with a smile.
PSG, which has had to play this intermediate round after the league phase in the previous two seasons, has already won the title in the last edition. Dembélé emphasizes that the goal is to finish in the top eight, although the club is not too worried about the playoff. "We'll see when the decisive moment comes. Although this already counts, because for us it is important to finish in the top eight, although we don't mind playing in the playoff," he said. With the Champions League in full swing, the match against Manchester City promises to be a high-level encounter that will test PSG's quality and resilience in this crucial phase of the competition.