For Ousmane Dembélé, the Champions League holds particular significance. The Paris Saint-Germain forward, also a nominee for the Ballon d`Or, spoke at a press conference to preview the upcoming final.
Here are his key comments:
What does it mean to reach the Champions League final after a season like this?
As I`ve said many times, I am very proud to have reached the final. We worked hard, it wasn`t always easy. We didn`t start well, but we made a difference in the second half of the season. Being here is exceptional; it`s a moment of great joy.
You could win the Ballon d’Or…
I`ll repeat myself: the important thing is the team trophies we can win, not individual ones. Of course, I think about it, but achieving it comes through team results.
You were sent off here in Monaco. What has changed since November?
It wasn`t easy, but that`s part of football. It was a difficult moment personally, but I managed to reach a high level, and the team did the same. I`m happy with the journey we`ve made, especially since January; there was a change in mentality.
There`s been much talk about managing emotions. What are you doing to stay calm?
We need to stay cool. Clearly, there`s a lot of excitement, and we are enthusiastic, but we must remain calm, serious, composed, even with a smile on our faces. We will need to manage our emotions; it will be a key to the match.
You`ll play against Pavard and Thuram.
I`m very happy to meet them again in the Champions League. They`ve had an excellent season. Pavard is very intelligent, difficult to get past. I hope to beat him, but I`m happy to face him as an opponent in a Champions League final.
What makes Inter special?
They are a great team, and they fully deserve to be in the final. They have been playing together for 4-5 years. They are very physical and know how to both defend and attack. They know how to manage possession and can make things difficult for opponents. We will need to be focused from the first minute to the last, otherwise, they can hurt us.
You have played in other finals…
Yes, in 2018 with France it went well, then less so. Now I`m playing for a dream; I can`t wait.
What do you think of Kvaratskhelia?
He`s a fantastic player. He`s settled in well; I don`t think it`s that difficult for him. Plus, he has a lot of talent and works hard. He quickly understands what`s asked of him. He was welcomed with open arms in Paris.
After Mbappé left, do you think it was easier for you to perform?
No, you ask me that often. I don`t know what would have happened if Kylian had stayed. He had a dream of playing for Real Madrid; he left, but PSG moves forward. There is a `before`, `during`, and `after` Mbappé. Now we are focused on what we need to do.
How much influence has Luis Enrique had?
He immediately made it clear he wanted to count on me as a central forward. It`s a role where I have the possibility to move around, and I like that. It`s about creating uncertainty for the opponents. Sometimes you get beyond the defensive line, sometimes behind it; you try to disrupt them, and I really like that.
