Julien Stéphan reveals what sparked Dembélé's turnaround

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·22 de septiembre de 2025

Julien Stéphan reveals what sparked Dembélé's turnaround

Julien Stéphan, former coach of Rennes and currently at Queens Park Rangers (English second division), mentioned in 2024 the possibility of Ousmane Dembélé winning the Ballon d'Or if the 28-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and French national team forward improved his finishing. Just hours before the award ceremony, with the former Rennes player among the favorites, the coach praised him in the newspaper Le Parisien.

Stéphan "Then there are all the responsibilities he has taken on."

"What impresses you the most about his transformation? His leadership. I knew he had it, but he has managed to formalize it with an exceptional presence in pressing. In that area, he has been incredible. Then there are all the responsibilities he has taken on in various matches to set an example; it's not just about goals, it's also a very, very strong connection in PSG's play. Why did it take him so long to eliminate his flaws in decision-making? I'm not surprised by that. Some reach maturity very early, but when you're not a born striker, and you've been trained on the wing like Ousmane, with exceptional natural dribbling and attacking qualities, you have to accept that it takes more time. At 28, he has gained maturity in his personal life, he manages his emotions better. Between 21 and 25, he also had injuries that prevented him from being on the field to work on his finishing."

Stéphan "Luis Enrique was essential in his management."

The role of Luis Enrique? He was essential in his management, his support, and the decision to reposition him on the field, of course. From November 2024, he had an undeniable breakthrough."

There were doubts at the beginning of the 2024-2025 season when Kylian Mbappé stepped down from the "leader" role in the attack. Dembélé was far from effective enough to be a reliable figure for big nights. However, the need for him to grow and assert himself visibly helped him.

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Also, evidently, coach Luis Enrique found the lever to use in addition to the collective built at PSG. He stated at the end of the season that one of his best decisions for Dembélé was not to call him up to face Arsenal during the league phase. Apparently, this decision pushed the player to understand his role and everything he needs to do on the field.

The Spanish coach also placed him in the center, with great freedom. He had done this a few times before, but it became more regular. Dembélé thus found himself in different areas, closer to the goal, and gained confidence with each goal. It's a combination of factors, along with his family life, which also led him to grow. Up to the famous victory? The answer tonight.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.