Paris Saint-Germain’s coach, Luis Enrique, took the opportunity to focus on team effort after his side secured a 2-1 victory over Saint-Etienne in Ligue 1. Although Ousmane Dembele was the star of the match, scoring both of PSG's goals within the first 23 minutes and earning the Man of the Match award, Enrique chose not to single him out. Instead, the coach stressed that PSG's success was a result of the collective effort from the entire squad.
Dembele’s impressive display provided a crucial win for PSG, but Enrique was quick to redirect praise towards the team as a whole. "I am very happy but I did not think anything of Dembele's match," Enrique commented after the game. "We are a team, which plays with all the players." His focus on teamwork was clear as he underscored that PSG’s victories are not the result of individual brilliance but rather the result of coordinated, team-based efforts across the board.
Enrique also took time to address the situation of Bradley Barcola, the young winger who has been without a goal since November, despite an attempted goal against Saint-Etienne being ruled out for a foul. Enrique offered support to Barcola, emphasizing that his struggle is not related to technical abilities but rather confidence. "It's not a technical problem, it's confidence," he said, adding, "Barcola is an exceptional player that we recruited in Lyon for his abilities and characteristics." Enrique’s words were meant to reassure the player and fans alike that Barcola's potential remains high, and that his value to the squad is not diminished by his current lack of goals.
Despite Barcola’s recent dry spell, Enrique reiterated that his role within the team has not changed. "He's the same as at the start of the season," the coach remarked. "That he's going through a period with less confidence, that's the truth." This statement highlighted the fact that Barcola’s contribution to the team’s overall dynamics is more important than individual goal-scoring statistics. Enrique’s approach shows his trust in the young player’s abilities and his belief that Barcola’s confidence will eventually return.
The win against Saint-Etienne was an important one for PSG as it strengthened their position at the top of Ligue 1, extending their lead to seven points ahead of second-placed Marseille. With this victory, PSG is well on track to secure their 10th league title in 12 years, and Enrique will be focused on maintaining the team's momentum as they move deeper into the season. However, despite the team's continued success, Enrique remains focused on collective performance, placing less emphasis on individual accomplishments.
When questioned about Randal Kolo Muani’s future, with rumors of a potential loan move circulating, Enrique was noncommittal. "I don't know," he responded when asked about the possibility of a transfer. Adding a touch of humor, Enrique quipped that for him, transfer markets are more like markets for fruits and vegetables than anything related to player trades, which further highlighted his laid-back attitude toward transfer speculation.
In summary, while Ousmane Dembele’s brace certainly made headlines, Luis Enrique's response after the game reinforced his philosophy of teamwork and collective success. By addressing the needs of players like Barcola and keeping the focus on the team’s overall dynamics, Enrique continues to lead PSG with a balanced approach that values every player’s contribution, both on and off the score sheet. As PSG continues to thrive in Ligue 1, Enrique’s emphasis on unity and perseverance remains a key part of the club’s success.
