Luis Enrique fed up with Ballon d'Or talk before City clash
On the eve of a major European showdown, the PSG coach voiced his frustration with the constant questions about the Ballon d'Or. He pointed out that several Paris players, not just Ousmane Dembélé, can lay claim to the award.
Key takeaways
- Luis Enrique said he is tired of constant Ballon d'Or questions ahead of PSG's Champions League clash with Manchester City.
- He stressed that several PSG players, not just Ousmane Dembélé, have a claim to the Ballon d'Or.
- He recalled PSG were named 'best team' last year, emphasizing the collective value over a single player.
- The Ballon d'Or winner will be announced on October 26 in London.
Match sheet
Manchester City 2 – 4 Paris Saint-Germain
· Ligue des champions · League Phase · Etihad Stadium
- 13' Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain) — goal
- 15' Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain) — goal
- 32' Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain) — goal
- 53' Erling Haaland (Manchester City) — goal
- 61' Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) — yellow card
- 62' Maghnes Akliouche (Paris Saint-Germain) — goal
- 69' Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain) — yellow card
- 75' Erling Haaland (Manchester City) — goal
Standings Ligue des champions : 1er, 9 pts (3 j.)
The debate around the Ballon d'Or has taken center stage in recent weeks. Kylian Mbappé's comments have been scrutinized, and some interpretations have even detected the first signs of tension with his friend Ousmane Dembélé, who has also been touted as a contender. The winner will be revealed on October 26 in London.
Context and irritation
On Tuesday, on the eve of a Champions League fixture billed as pivotal against Manchester City, Luis Enrique let his irritation show in a press conference. The Spanish coach made it clear he was tired of constantly hearing about the individual award. He stressed that PSG have several players capable of winning it, not just Ousmane Dembélé.
Team over individual
The Paris coach also brought the collective dimension back to the fore, recalling that the club was honored last year as "best team." A reminder which, in his view, shows that the value of the group outweighs individual performances and that recognition is not limited to a single name. In this context, his stance is clear: even if the Ballon d'Or news is omnipresent, the objective remains to see Paris lift this trophy on the merit of its players.
This fatigue expressed by Luis Enrique likely echoes the feeling of some observers, worn out by an endless media saga. As the winner's announcement approaches, the pressure will remain intense around the candidates, but the Paris coach's message is crystal clear: refocus the conversation on the collective and remind everyone that, within the current squad, several profiles have a case to make for the most prestigious individual distinction.
Your questions, our answers
Why did Luis Enrique express fatigue about Ballon d'Or talk?
He was tired of constantly hearing about the individual award and stressed that PSG have several players capable of winning it, not just Ousmane Dembélé.
What reminder did Enrique bring up to emphasize the team's value?
He recalled that the club was honored last year as "best team," showing that the value of the group outweighs individual performances.
What is Enrique's stance on the objective despite Ballon d'Or talk?
The objective remains to see Paris lift the trophy on the merit of its players, more than focusing on a single name.