PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain is under pressure for the first time this season after failing to qualify automatically for the Champions League last 16.
Recent Setbacks
PSG suffered a 3-1 defeat at Rennes, allowing Lens to reclaim top spot in Ligue 1. The team is also out of the French Cup and has lost six games overall this season.
Dembélé Questions Team Desire
The Ballon d'Or winner expressed frustration with his teammates' attitude following the Rennes loss.
"I think we need to show more desire. Because if we play as individuals on the pitch it won't work, we won't win the trophies we want," Dembélé said.
"Last season we put the club first before thinking about ourselves. I think we need to rediscover that. We're in the second half of the season and Paris Saint-Germain should come first, not individual players."
Luis Enrique's Unified Approach
Coach Luis Enrique responded firmly to Dembélé's comments, issuing a stern reminder about club unity.
"I will never allow any player to be above the club. I am the person responsible for the team," he said.
Luis Enrique's strict management has transformed PSG into a more unified squad. He notably dropped Dembélé for a Champions League game at Arsenal early last season on disciplinary grounds, a decision that paid off as Dembélé went on to score 35 goals and help PSG win the Champions League.
Goalkeeper Uncertainty
PSG faces uncertainty in goal heading into the Monaco tie.
Last season's Champions League success featured spectacular performances from Gianluigu Donnarumma, but he has since joined Manchester City. PSG recruited Lucas Chevalier from Lille, with Luis Enrique believing his passing ability from the back offers better options to control possession.
However, Chevalier has lost his place to Matvei Safonov, who was Donnarumma's backup last season.
Monaco Preview
The challenge ahead is significant. Monaco beat PSG earlier this season in Ligue 1 and has improved defensively with four clean sheets in their past six games.
Coach Sébastien Pocognoli is waiting on the fitness of attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, midfielder Lamine Camara and goal-scoring winger Ansu Fati.