Dembélé answers critics with a goal

"We are in October, it's only our second Champions League match. We remain focused," Dembélé did not try to set the record straight and took the situation with humor: "Did I want to answer the critics? No, there was an international break and then I went on vacation."

The former PSG midfielder Édouard Cissé supported Dembélé in his post-match analysis for L'Équipe: "I notice there is a certain vendetta against Ousmane. He deserves more respect. When it comes to big matches, he knows how to deliver."

Dembélé concluded by joking about past and future criticisms: "It's been 10 years of criticism so it's not going to change, okay."

Various Reactions

Luis Enrique, coach of the Spanish national team which includes Dembélé in its squad, reacted with moderation regarding the player's critics.