Didier Deschamps Speaks Out on Ousmane Dembélé’s Injury Impacting His Club Performance

Ousmane Dembélé, who was injured during the September team gathering and missed the October fixtures, will now also miss the November matches due to a calf injury. This setback will keep him off the field for several weeks. The ongoing tension between the French national team and PSG, particularly regarding the medical management of Dembélé by the national team’s staff, looms large as Didier Deschamps addresses the press.

Following Dembélé’s injury against Bayern Munich this week (1-2), many have criticized Luis Enrique for his hasty management, similar to the accusations aimed at the national team coach just two months ago. Addressing this during a press conference, Deschamps noted that there is no such thing as zero risk in either club or national contexts. “I’m not here to give lessons. What happens at PSG is their business; I don’t have all the details. I wouldn’t presume to comment on any club. They make their decisions, equipped with the necessary information. Just like us… The common point is that his absence is not beneficial for PSG or for us. I hope he recovers quickly,” Deschamps stated, deftly avoiding blame from September.

“I’m not in Luis Enrique’s position, just as he is not in mine”

Since the painful episode against Ukraine, the French coach has constantly denied any responsibility for his team’s medical staff. His lengthy remarks during Thursday’s press conference echoed this sentiment. “There have always been exchanges, as is the case with Ousmane’s injury. When examinations are conducted, the findings are communicated both ways. There’s no doubt that club interests and national interests can differ,” he emphasized.

“There have always been discussions regarding exams and diagnoses. I’m not here to change the medical protocol. Whether clubs should have more decision-making power than national teams isn’t for me to decide… I’m not in Luis Enrique’s position, just as he isn’t in mine. Once his players are on the field, there’s always a risk. Hakimi and Mendes weren’t considered at risk, yet they got injured… With more matches and competitions, whether that pleases everyone is an open debate, but it’s clear that the schedule is quite packed,” he reminded, noting that PSG is facing the consequences.