
In the just-concluded Champions League match, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), playing with ten men, secured a resounding 7-2 away victory over Bayer Leverkusen, who also had ten men on the pitch. After the game, PSG striker Ousmane Dembélé was interviewed by Camel Live.
On his views of the match
“We scored smoothly to take the lead early in the game, but then we entered a difficult phase—there were constant yellow cards, and even a red card. I think that red card could have been avoided. Fortunately, Warren Zaïre-Emery scored a brace, which kept us competitive, and after that we naturally took control of the game's tempo. We must maintain this good momentum, after all, it’s only the first half of the season. Whether in the league or the Champions League, we must maintain strict discipline and move forward steadily step by step.”
On his current form
“I was cautious about my comeback. It’s hard to return to 100% form right away after recovering from an injury. Actually, I asked to play in the match against Strasbourg, but the coach advised me to wait a little longer. I felt very comfortable in this game and am gradually regaining my feeling for the sport.”
On his future at PSG
“As long as I still have the desire in my heart, I will continue to stay at PSG. I’m honored to have scored on my 100th appearance for the club, and I look forward to continuing this excellent performance. When I was injured, I always eagerly wanted to get back on the pitch, but this time I chose to recover patiently. Currently, I haven’t reached my best form yet, and I hope to return to the pitch in better shape.”
On the team’s performance in the match
“We started the game very well. Although the match became a bit chaotic later, PSG has always been good at using space to launch attacks. Vitinha is like our metronome—he is continuing his excellent performance from last season.”
On his friend Mbappé congratulating him on winning the Ballon d'Or
“Yes, he congratulated me after I won the award, but looking at his entire career, he fully deserves this honor. At the start of this season, his performance has been amazing, scoring goals consistently. As his good friend, I hope he can maintain this form, and I firmly believe he will lift the Ballon d'Or someday.”
Further thoughts on his form
“If you don’t reach 100% form or give your all, you won’t win the coach’s trust. To get playing time, you must go all out. Since the start of the season, we have been determined to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, and we will continue to work hard for this goal.”