Rennes v PSG: Dembélé’s swipe after the defeat explained

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·14 de febrero de 2026

Rennes v PSG: Dembélé’s swipe after the defeat explained

After Paris Saint-Germain's 3-1 defeat against Rennes on Friday night, everyone was buzzing about Ousmane Dembélé's comments to Ligue1+. The 28-year-old forward emphasized that his team needs to play with PSG in mind first, as they did last season, and set aside the "for oneself" mentality. Interpretations have been flying in all directions, especially with Désiré Doué (a 20-year-old midfielder/forward) seemingly targeted. Some saw the beginnings of a fire, even a crisis. RMC Sport reviewed the situation.

"The individualism mentioned includes several players."

"Désiré Doué was quickly identified, particularly on social media, as the target of the number 10. But the reality is more complex. First, because the two players, who share the same professional entourage, have very good relations. Secondly, because the individualism mentioned includes several players. Moreover, it is not entirely impossible that the former Rennes player included himself in the mix. In any case, by taking a strong stance, shared by several leaders within the locker room, Ousmane Dembélé assumes his status as vice-captain.

"There was no reason to dramatize these remarks"

Following this statement, it was explained at Paris Saint-Germain that it was a message sent to the team and there was no reason to dramatize these remarks, which aim to re-mobilize a group that cannot afford to rest as Lens could reclaim the top spot at the end of this 22nd day. In recent weeks, behaviors deemed selfish have been observed at the PSG Campus. The staff did not hesitate to point this out to those concerned."

Coach Luis Enrique emphasized that it was just a statement made in the heat of the moment after a defeat, a time when there is naturally tension. Therefore, the words don't mean much and, in any case, no player is above PSG. This allowed some to amplify the idea of a crisis. However, the situation seems quite simple.

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The Parisians are angry after the defeat, another poor result in a season lacking fluidity. Thus, it is emphasized that changes need to be made in the game and efforts should be made to improve. Since the results alone aren't enough to trigger the right reaction, it's possible to try with strong words.

The whole melodrama around it, with the desire to know who is exactly targeted and why, is not fully understood. Dembélé spoke about the whole group. Doué is part of it, as are other players. Including himself, as RMC Sport reminds, even if it's with a degree of uncertainty. Which also sums up the situation well: there are interpretations coming from the outside, without really knowing. We will mainly wait for the reaction on the field.

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