Luis Enrique hailed Ousmane Dembele’s game-changing performance in PSG’s 4-0 win over Real Madrid in the Club World Cup semifinals but remains uncertain about the winger’s fitness for the final against Chelsea.
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has showered praise on Ousmane Dembele following his pivotal role in PSG’s 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the Club World Cup semifinals. The French winger, who had been nursing a thigh injury, showed his class after a frustrating tournament start by delivering a masterful performance at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Dembele had been sidelined for the majority of the tournament due to his injury, with his first full appearance coming on Wednesday against Madrid. However, his immediate impact on the pitch left no doubt as to why PSG consider him one of the most influential players in world football. Dembele assisted Fabian Ruiz in the opening goal just six minutes into the match and followed it up with a goal of his own three minutes later, leaving Madrid stunned and reeling.
Enrique has long been an admirer of Dembele’s abilities, going as far as to suggest the winger deserves to be in the Ballon d’Or conversation. After the Real Madrid thrashing, the PSG manager spoke to reporters about the importance of Dembele’s return to full fitness.
“This is the first game I’ve had my best player, Dembele, at his best,” Enrique said. “We’d seen him very little throughout this tournament. He’s a critical player for us, a unique player, the kind of player that every fan wants to see. Hopefully, we can have him for the final.”
Dembele’s performance came at a crucial time for PSG, who are now one win away from claiming their first-ever Club World Cup title. Enrique, having already led PSG to a continental treble last season—including a 5-0 Champions League final triumph over Inter Milan—views the Club World Cup final against Chelsea as another milestone in the club’s growing legacy.
“We are one game away from making history and continuing to build the legacy of Paris Saint-Germain, a French club that could claim every cup, every tournament,” Enrique remarked. “This is very significant for us, for our fans.”
Despite Dembele’s brilliance, Enrique remains cautious about the winger’s availability for Sunday’s final. Although the 26-year-old is a game-changer, his fitness remains a concern as he recovers from a muscle injury. The final against Chelsea will test PSG’s depth, but Enrique will undoubtedly rely on Dembele’s talents if he is fully fit.
PSG’s commanding performance against Madrid has raised expectations, but the match against Chelsea promises to be an entirely different challenge. Chelsea, with their own set of star players and an easier path to the final, will be determined to prevent PSG from adding another piece of silverware to their collection.
As Enrique and PSG look ahead to Sunday, the anticipation grows. Can Dembele provide the spark once again? Or will Chelsea’s resilience stand firm to deny PSG their long-awaited Club World Cup glory? The stage is set for a thrilling final.
