Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique focused on the collective after Sunday's 2-1 win over Saint-Etienne, rather than offering individual praise for Ousmane Dembélé.
Dembele was named Man of the Match after scoring both of his side's goals in the opening 23 minutes, and he has now scored five times in his last three league games.
But despite these impressive returns, Luis Enrique was still not interested in praising him.
“I'm very happy, but I didn't like Dembélé's match,” he said at a press conference after the match.
“We are a team that plays with all the players. If Ousmane Dembélé scores two goals, that is important for us and it is perfect.
“But at the same time I think about all the players in the team and we are a team, that's the most important thing for me.”
.@dembouz = Man of the match pic.twitter.com/4JFUPjcJbt
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 12, 2025
Likewise, Luis Enrique wasn't too excited by the performance of Bradley Barcola, who is goalless since scoring a brace in a 4-2 win over Angers in November.
Barcola did find the back of the net on Sunday, but saw his attempt disallowed due to a foul in the build-up.
“It's not a technical problem, it's confidence. How can he have confidence? That's what I try to convey to my players. Barcola is an exceptional, sensational player,” said Luis Enrique.
“He is the same as at the start of the season, but just because he is not scoring now does not mean he is a bad Barcola. He is an exceptional player who we recruited in Lyon because of his abilities and qualities.
“That he is going through a period of less confidence, that is the truth. That he is not scoring, well… what is important? What he brings to the team. It is a matter of the team, we have to adapt to the players and the general trust.”
The win moves PSG seven points clear of Marseille at the top of Ligue 1, where they look set for a tenth league title in twelve seasons.
Luis Enrique was also asked about the future of striker Randal Kolo Muani, who was left out of the squad amid reports he could be loaned out, but the Spaniard declined to comment on these suggestions.
“I don't know. For me the market is that of vegetables, fruits and bread. There is nothing to say,” he said.
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