Ousmane Dembélé’s Form Sparks Debate in France as Rothen Questions Praise
Ousmane Dembélé’s recent performances for France have prompted a wider debate about how coaches should discuss players who are struggling to find their best form. Former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Jérôme Rothen has criticised Zinedine Zidane and Luis Enrique for publicly praising the forward, arguing that honest assessment is more helpful than blanket reassurance.
The disagreement has attracted attention among football fans because it touches on a familiar question: should a coach protect a player from criticism, or acknowledge when performances fall short? In Dembélé’s case, the discussion is especially prominent. The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner is expected to influence matches for both club and country, yet his recent displays have not consistently matched those expectations.
Dembélé’s France performances under scrutiny
Dembélé had a difficult international spell, struggling to make the impact many supporters anticipated. Whether deployed in a central role or on the right against Belgium, he did not consistently reach the level associated with his talent. The dip also followed a challenging start to the season with PSG, adding to questions about his rhythm and confidence.
His club statistics offer a more mixed picture than the criticism might suggest. Dembélé has recorded two goals and four assists in seven appearances for Paris Saint-Germain across all competitions. Those contributions show that he remains involved in attacking play, but numbers alone cannot capture every part of a performance. Coaches may value his movement, pressing, ability to draw defenders out of position and willingness to connect with teammates, even when the final pass or shot does not come off.
That difference in how performances are judged sits at the centre of the debate. Supporters often focus on goals, assists and decisive moments, while coaches may also assess a player’s off-ball work, tactical discipline and contribution to the team’s overall structure.
Zidane and Luis Enrique offer public support
After France’s 1-1 draw with Italy, Zidane defended Dembélé’s contribution in the two matches he started. He said he was satisfied with the forward’s work and pointed to the movement that is a regular feature of his game.
“I found him good in the two matches he started. I am happy with what he produces on the pitch,” Zidane said. He added that Dembélé often moves away from his starting position, explaining that this movement matters to the team even if it does not always lead directly to a goal. Zidane said he did not have much to criticise.
PSG coach Luis Enrique also praised the winger, describing his international break as “impressive.” At a press conference, Enrique highlighted Dembélé’s willingness to take on opponents, shoot and combine with teammates. He presented the forward as a distinctive attacking player whose confidence and technical ability can make him exciting to watch.
Such comments may reflect more than a coach’s verdict on a handful of matches. Public backing can help maintain a player’s confidence, particularly when expectations are high and every performance is closely analysed. For a Ballon d’Or winner, scrutiny can be intense: a quiet match may quickly become a talking point, even when the player continues to contribute in less visible ways.
Rothen calls for a more candid assessment
Rothen was unconvinced by the praise. Speaking on RMC radio, he argued that the positive descriptions did not match what he saw on the pitch. He called for a more balanced account that recognises both the good moments and the areas needing improvement.
“There are things that went well and others that did not,” Rothen said, rejecting what he viewed as overly generous assessments. His frustration was not limited to Dembélé. He also questioned positive comments about France’s full-backs, saying that coaches should not present every aspect of a performance as successful when that is not the case.
Rothen stressed that he was not making a final judgement on the forward. He said he still believes in Dembélé’s quality, but argued that his start to the season at PSG and his four recent appearances for France had fallen below the standard he is capable of reaching. In Rothen’s view, acknowledging that reality would not amount to writing the player off.
He also questioned whether Dembélé needs public reassurance from his coaches. Rothen suggested players can often tell for themselves when they are mentally engaged and performing well, and said frank feedback could be more constructive than messages that appear designed mainly to shield them from criticism.
Petit and Costil defend the coaches’ approach
Not everyone agreed with Rothen’s position. Former France international Emmanuel Petit defended Enrique’s communication style, saying that protecting players publicly is part of a coach’s responsibilities. He argued that openly criticising a player can give the media more material and intensify pressure without helping the team.
Petit added that a coach might take a different approach if poor performances became repeated or were accompanied by problems inside the dressing room. In other circumstances, however, public support can preserve trust while more detailed conversations happen privately.
Former France goalkeeper Benoît Costil also backed Enrique’s stance. He pointed to the wider context surrounding Dembélé, including the attention that comes with winning the Ballon d’Or. Managing a player’s confidence and personality, Costil suggested, is an important part of coaching at the highest level.
What the debate means for PSG and France
The argument is unlikely to be settled by one international break. Dembélé’s next performances will shape the conversation more than any press conference, particularly as PSG and France look for consistency from a player capable of changing a match with acceleration, close control and creative passing.
For fans following football predictions, form assessments and upcoming fixtures, the key question is not simply whether Dembélé is “good” or “bad.” It is whether he can turn his involvement into more decisive output while maintaining the movement and link-up play coaches value. His goal and assist record suggests he is still contributing, but the expectations attached to his award mean supporters will look for a stronger influence in high-pressure moments.
Ultimately, Rothen’s demand for candour and the coaches’ preference for public support represent two different approaches to player management. One prioritises transparent evaluation; the other seeks to protect confidence and keep criticism from becoming a distraction. Dembélé’s response on the pitch will determine whether the praise proves justified—and whether France and PSG can help him rediscover the form that made him one of the game’s most celebrated players.
