Luis Enrique Launches Furious Attack On PSG Star After ‘Worthless’ Comment
A livid Luis Enrique fired back following comments made by one of his Paris Saint-Germain players after the shock defeat to Rennes.
The European champions travelled to Rennes on Friday, hoping to extend their lead at the top of Ligue One.
However, PSG slipped up in a huge way, falling to a 3-1 defeat at Roazhon Park. Musa Al-Taamari put the hosts ahead in the first half before Esteban Lepaul doubled the lead in the 69th minute.
Ousmane Dembele reduced the deficit two minutes later but Breel Embolo confirmed the victory for Rennes, coached by caretaker boss Sebastien Tambourets, nine minutes from time.
Advert
Dembele, the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, gave an honest post-match interview where he called out his teammates for playing as individuals and demanded more desire.
"Above all, we have to play for PSG in order to win matches," he told Ligue 1+.
"If we play as individuals on the pitch, it won't work, we won't win the titles we want.
"Last season, we put the club before everything else, before thinking about ourselves. We have to rediscover that, especially in these matches.
"We know we're in the second half of the season. And Paris Saint-Germain has to come first, not individual players."
While the former Barcelona star made some valid points, Enrique did not take kindly to the comments from Dembele and branded his statement "absolutely worthless".
He then stressed that he is responsible and would not allow any of his players to think they are "more important than the club".
"The players' statements after the match are worthless," Enrique said in his press conference.
"Absolutely worthless. Neither are the coaches' statements, but the players' statements are worthless. I'm not going to answer any question from a player, any response from a player.
"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. Neither me, nor the sporting director, nor the president, nor the club.
"So, these statements are worthless. They are the result of anger after a match, and I think that's clear. We have nothing to lose."
PSG had 69 per cent possession in their surprise loss to a managerless side but one who have beaten them more times than any other team since the Qatar Sports Investments acquired the club.
The defeat ended a seven-game winning run in the league and means RC Lens remain just two points behind them having played a game less.
Lens travel to Paris FC on Saturday evening knowing that a win will see them become league leaders by a single point.
Having won the Champions League last season, PSG only made the play-offs for the second campaign running and will take on fellow French side Monaco over two legs - starting with the first fixture on Tuesday.
Topics: Luis Enrique, PSG
Josh Lawless