“It’s not even a discussion”: Luis Enrique humiliates Désiré Doué by comparing him to Lamine Yamal – The French press explodes
PSG is never far from controversy, and this time, it came not from a player… but from its own coach. After the worrying defeat against Botafogo, Luis Enrique, interviewed at a press conference, answered a question that would quickly set social media and the French media ablaze:
“Do you think Désiré Doué can be compared to Lamine Yamal?”
The response of the Spanish technician, known for his frankness, was dry, brutal and unfiltered :
“Comparing Doué to Lamine Yamal? It’s not even a discussion. Lamine is on a whole other level. He already has the maturity, vision, and technique of an elite player.”
Strong, straightforward words that immediately sent shockwaves through public opinion and among Parisian fans. Many consider these remarks unfair, inappropriate, and destructive for a 19-year-old player still on the rise.
A divisive statement
Criticism was swift to emerge in the French media. Several consultants denounced the outing as “humiliating” and “useless” for a coach who is supposed to protect his young talents. On social media, the hashtag #SoutienDoué quickly became a trend, a sign that the public is not immune to this type of treatment.
Désiré Doué, who arrived this summer as one of France’s great footballing hopes, had a difficult match against Botafogo. But for many observers, this in no way justifies such a derogatory comparison with Lamine Yamal, who is playing in a completely different environment at FC Barcelona.
Player silence, club unease
No official comment has yet been released from Doué. However, according to sources close to the locker room, the player was deeply affected by his coach’s remarks. Some teammates, also surprised by Luis Enrique’s verbal abuse, reportedly tried to comfort the young attacking midfielder after the meeting.
Internally, voices are being raised calling for more moderation in the Spanish coach’s communications. While frankness can be a virtue, it can also become a factor of division within the squad, especially when it targets such a young and exposed player.
Luis Enrique takes responsibility (too much?)
Contacted by the Spanish media after the controversy, Luis Enrique reportedly fully accepted his comments, stating that he “always tells the truth, whether people like it or not.” This attitude, while reinforcing his image as an uncompromising coach, risks creating lasting tensions within a dressing room already under pressure.
In a PSG that is still searching for its identity and stability, this kind of media outing raises an essential question: should young players really be exposed to such public criticism, or are there other, more constructive ways of getting a message across?
One thing is certain: the Doué-Yamal affair will be remembered as one of the first major media blunders of the Parisian season.
