Speaking to reporters the day before the Champions League final, Paris Saint-Germain`s prolific forward, Ousmane Dembélé, stressed the importance for the Ligue 1 champions to maintain their composure throughout their critical match against Inter.
“We are incredibly proud to reach this final,” Dembélé stated. “We worked hard and successfully overcame challenges along the way. Inter is a formidable, physical side skilled in defense; we must be prepared to withstand their intensity. It`s crucial to remain focused and serious from start to finish, as even minor mistakes could prove very costly.”
He elaborated on the mental aspect: “Managing our emotions will be absolutely vital. We understand the immense excitement surrounding this Champions League final, and naturally, we feel that excitement too. However, as we`ve consistently reminded ourselves throughout the week, we need to control these emotions. We must play calmly and with seriousness, while also remembering to play with a smile. Controlling these feelings, I believe, will be one of the critical factors in this match.”
The former Barcelona player, who has netted 33 goals this season with a significant portion coming since the start of 2025, has arguably been one of Europe`s standout performers. Despite the final potentially influencing his prospects for individual honors like the Ballon d`Or, Dembélé was quick to dismiss focusing on personal accolades.
“The most important thing when you are a PSG player is to win, particularly the Champions League,” he emphasized. “More than anything, my focus is entirely on the team`s success rather than individual trophies. Of course, the thought has crossed my mind, but my full concentration remains on the team.”
