While Paris Saint-Germain is preparing its trip to Nice this Friday evening for the 31st day of Ligue 1, a question burns the lips: will Ousmane Dembélé aligned from the start? The French winger, so decisive this season but author of slightly less sharp performances in recent weeks (remaining on four games without scoring), could experience an unexpected fate for this meeting. Some observers are already wondering: is this the consequence of a small decrease in form, or a possible mood reaction during a recent outing? The mystery hovers around the French international as this match approaches.
Sanction or simple turnover before Arsenal?
The reason for this possible put on the bench would actually be much more strategic than punitive. According to information from the newspaper The ParisianLuis Enrique would actually provide a wide rotation of its workforce against the Aiglons. The objective? Matering its executives and preserving organizations before next Tuesday's capital deadline: the semi-final go to the Champions League against Arsenal. In this perspective, the former Barcelona would be one of the major players likely to be left to rest or start on the bench, in order to arrive with maximum freshness for the European shock.
Before Arsenal, Dembélé in the stands? Luis Enrique's risky bet
This desire to run would concern several sectors of play. Thus, The Parisian
evokes the likely tenure of Lucas Beraldo and Willian Pacho in central defense, leaving Marquinhos on the bench (Achraf Hakimi would then carry the armband). In the middle, the Korean Lee Kang-in, back from injury, should continue. In front, doubt would remain for the center-forward post between Gonçalo Ramos and … Ousmane Dembélé himself, proving that his bench is not a sanction but a question linked to the overall management of the workforce before the C1.
A risky management of Luis Enrique before the European shock?
If the logic of rotation is understandable at this stage of the season with a title of champion already in his pocket, leaving it on the bench could question. The player, although defended by Emmanuel Petit recently who recalled his overall contribution, comes out of a little period less statistically. Do not start this last match before the Champions League semi-final is ideal for his confidence? Luis Enrique seems to favor physical freshness, a calculated bet.
It therefore appears clear that the possible absence of Ousmane Dembélé at the start of Nice would not be a sanction but indeed a tactical and strategic decision by Luis Enrique. The Spanish coach has his eyes riveted on the semi-final against Arsenal and counts on the depth of his workforce to best manage this Ligue 1 meeting without hypothequating his European chances. Final response on the starting eleven on Friday evening, but priority is clearly given to the cup with big ears.
