Luis Enrique stresses importance of PSG squad as Dembele gets time to rest

Aug 27 : Paris St Germain coach Luis Enrique will continue his squad rotation as the capital club again seek to dominate domestically and in Europe, with players who featured at the World Cup such as France's Ousmane Dembele given plenty of opportunity to rest.

PSG retained the Champions League and Ligue 1 title last season, with Luis Enrique fielding very different lineups in each competition.

The likes of Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi featured heavily in Europe but were used more sparingly in the French league.

Ballon d'Or winner Dembele reached the World Cup semi-final with France and took little part in PSG's pre-season preparations but played in their UEFA Super Cup win over Aston Villa and French Super Cup loss to Lens.

"There is nothing new here," Luis Enrique told reporters on Thursday. "Last year, and in previous years, we have had players given recovery time. Dembele made a big effort to be involved in the two Super Cup finals, he will be an essential player for us.

"It's important to underline that the players who came back with less rest time because they played at the World Cup, I'm always open to giving them rest time. It's very important to know how to switch off."

Dembele started PSG's opening league game against Stade Rennais but was replaced at halftime by new signing Ferran Torres. PSG were 2-0 down at the time, and Torres netted twice as the champions rescued a draw.

Ahead of Friday's game at Lille, their Spanish manager was asked whether World Cup winner Torres can prove himself worthy of a starting place.

"Of course you like to classify players, this one is a starter, or a bench player," Luis Enrique replied.

"To win trophies in the way that we have done, you need a squad. You don't win