Didier Deschamps says PSG 'not our opponent' amid tension between France and UEFA Champions League holders after Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue injuries
Published 08/09/2025 at 21:05 GMT+1
Didier Deschamps dismissed Paris Saint-Germain's critical statement of France's national team in the wake of injuries to the French club's key forwards Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue while on international duty. PSG alleged that France did not take medical recommendations into account for their World Cup qualifier against Ukraine - during which both Dembele and Doue were withdrawn.
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France head coach Didier Deschamps said Paris Saint-Germain are "not our opponent" after the UEFA Champions League winners issued a critical statement in condemnation of the national team.
PSG alleged "medical recommendations were not taken into account" by France regarding the fitness of the Parisian club's key forwards Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue.
Both Dembele and Doue were withdrawn during France's 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Ukraine on Friday.
They are expected to be out for six and four weeks respectively - representing a significant blow to not only PSG's Ligue 1 campaign, but the beginning of their Champions League defence, which gets underway against Atalanta on September 17 - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Deschamps said the injuries were unfortunate, but insisted the national team took the necessary measures to ensure the players' fitness before the match.
"What happened is what happened," Deschamps said, in quotes carried by PA Media. "I'm especially sad for Ousmane and Dez [Doue], for the injuries and because we're losing two important players.
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"We did things in a professional, progressive way, as we do with every player, taking into account their feelings.
"Unfortunately, it happened and it concerns two PSG players.
"PSG is not our opponent, never has been, even if we have interests that may diverge and that's normal. Our only opponent is Iceland and that's tomorrow."
Asked whether the conflict between the two teams could impact whether France call up PSG forward Bradley Barcola, Deschamps replied: "I'm the one who makes the decisions, I have my staff, my responsibilities."
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Dembele and Doue were two of the driving forces behind PSG's remarkable 2024/25 campaign, in which they not only won a maiden European title, but also claimed Ligue 1 glory with six matches to spare. They secured a treble by also winning the Coupe de France.
Dembele has already recorded two goals and an assist in three matches for PSG this season, as he looks to build upon a stunning previous term which saw him net 21 league goals and a further eight in Europe - putting him among the front-runners for the 2025 Ballon d'Or.
Doue was also hugely influential, and scored twice in the record 5-0 victory over Internazionale in the Champions League final.
The pair will likely play a significant role in France's World Cup campaign next year - providing Deschamps' side qualify - but will miss Tuesday's match against Iceland, one which the France boss expects to be a "great battle".
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"My main concern is to see what condition the players are in," Deschamps said. "Changes, yes, it's likely. Freshness is important, while maintaining what has been done well.
"Iceland have evolved, with a much less direct game. They have evolved in their ability to get out on the ground and build-up moves."
The time frame for Dembele's injury could make him a doubt for France's camp next month, with Deschamps' side set to face Azerbaijan on October 10 and Iceland on October 13.
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