Dembélé on PSG’s Champions League Journey: “Maybe with Mbappé We’d Be Stronger, But He Had a Dream”
Ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final 2025, Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembélé shared his thoughts in a candid press conference. From discussing Kylian Mbappé’s departure to Real Madrid, to highlighting PSG’s evolution under Luis Enrique, Dembélé expressed a mix of pride, focus, and emotional anticipation ahead of the clash against Inter Milan.
“Maybe With Mbappé, We’d Be Stronger But He Chased His Dream”
When asked about Kylian Mbappé’s absence this season after joining Real Madrid, Dembélé gave a diplomatic yet honest answer.
“Maybe with Kylian we’d be a stronger team this season no one really knows. But he had a dream of playing for Madrid. PSG moved on. We’re focused on our own path now.”
The comment underlines the French winger’s team-first mentality ahead of PSG’s chance to make history by lifting their first Champions League title.
Luis Enrique’s Impact: “He Trusted Me From the Start”
Dembélé credited Luis Enrique for giving him the freedom to thrive in his hybrid attacking role this season.
“From the first time we spoke, I had his trust. I’ve adapted well to different positions and I try to create imbalances for the opponent. That’s my job drive them crazy.”
On Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and PSG’s Game Plan
Without revealing too much about tactics, Dembélé praised teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and emphasized the emotional challenge of a final.
“Kvara is super talented and adapted really fast. The key to winning? It’s about managing emotions. It’ll be tense, exciting for all of Paris.”
Final Experience and Redemption
Dembélé reflected on his past finals with France, including both triumph and heartbreak.
“In 2018, everything went perfectly. In another final, it didn’t. But this time, I’ve prepared very hard. These are the moments you never forget.”
On Inter Milan: “They Know Each Other by Heart”
The PSG winger praised Inter’s cohesion and experience ahead of the showdown in Munich’s Allianz Arena.
“They’ve been playing together for four or five years. They know how to defend, how to attack. We’ll need to stay serious from start to finish.”
Redemption Arc: From Red Card to Finalist
Dembélé also addressed his controversial red card at Allianz Arena earlier this season, noting how it became a turning point.
“It was a tough match in a complex period. But since then, I’ve raised my level and the team has too. I’m proud of what we’ve done since January.”
Ballon d’Or Dreams?
While he didn’t rule out personal ambitions, Dembélé made it clear his focus is on the team.
“Winning the Champions League is all that matters. Of course, you think about individual titles, but I push that aside. It’s about the group.”
Marquinhos: “We’re Better Prepared Than Ever”
Captain Marquinhos, one of the few PSG veterans from their 2020 final, also addressed the media.
“PSG Now Knows How to Win These Games”
“The club understands more every day what it takes to win a Champions League. I’ve seen how far we’ve come. We’re prepared mentally, tactically, emotionally.”
The Calm Before the Storm
Asked about match-day preparation, Marquinhos stressed the importance of routine over hype.
“It’s different from 2020, which happened during COVID. This time, it’s about the details eating well, sleeping well, staying focused. The work is done. We don’t need extra motivation.”
