Dembélé: Criticism has followed me for ten years, and I may ask for another break until March

Ousmane Dembélé, the forward for Paris Saint-Germain, spoke lightheartedly about the criticism he has faced recently, following his team's 4-2 victory over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League.

Ousmane Dembélé said: "We do not care at all that people doubted us, we are in October, and this is our second match in the UEFA Champions League, and we are still focused. We know that we need to be on the right track during the first half of the season and prepare for the second half. We had a good first half, and the second half was a bit more difficult because we dropped back. That should not have happened, but we will keep the positive aspects."

Regarding the criticism he has faced, the French player explained: "I haven't read the negative comments directed at me at all, there was the international break, and then I went on holiday, and by the way, I might ask for another holiday."

He continued: "It was a good match, on Tuesday or Wednesday, I really enjoy playing, especially when I come back from vacation." He refused to disclose his trip, before adding with a laugh: "I might get another vacation, I think that could last until March, and then we will see, the coach is the one who decides."

Joking aside, Dembélé spoke about the intensity of matches, confirming that he cannot participate in all of them. He said: "Of course, I am a football player and I love playing every match, but when you play 60 or 70 matches, you cannot participate in all of them."

He explained: "Of course, I love to start matches in the starting lineup. When you are a competitive player and love football, starting on the bench is not painful, but it is good to play and participate in matches consecutively, while knowing when you need to rest."