Desire Doue was undoubtedly PSG’s Man of the Match in their 3-2 win over Monaco, scoring twice from 2-0 down for a crucial first-leg lead.
However, it was the Golden Boy Award winner’s first strikes in 10 games amid a poor run of form.
Last time out in Ligue 1 he tried to put on a show against former side Rennes and many interpreted post-match comments about selfishness from Ousmane Dembele as directed at Doue.
Nevertheless, Doue put his hands over his ears after scoring his first against Monaco and his fingers in his ears for his second.
To make matters worse, he did so coming on as a substitute for an ineffective Dembele, something that hasn’t gone down well in the French press.
“His response with his hands over his ears is inappropriate,” RMC Sport’s Daniel Riolo said.
“It means you don’t accept criticism. If it’s only criticism from the media, no problem.
“Here, the situation is a bit different because it’s his teammates. I like that he has character, I like this player. But it’s a bit like him telling Dembélé: ‘shut up’.”
In defence of Doue
Emmanuel Petit disagreed, though, arguing: “You’re making a mountain out of a molehill.
“I prefer to see it this way: he’s a guy with ego, whose pride is bruised, and he puts in this kind of performance. It proves he cares.
“I put myself in Doué’s shoes: it hurts my pride and ego, and I’ll respond tonight with the ball at my feet.
“But in his position, I can tell myself that I’m the only one receiving some criticism.
“When I see Nuno Mendes’ first 15 minutes, he’s completely off his game, and I haven’t found him exceptional since the start of the season. Yet, most players slip through the net.
“Name me one player this season who’s been flawless. I’m happy to criticize him, but then criticize everyone.”
What did Dembele say about Desire Doue
Dembele called out his teammates’ selfishness after a 3-1 defeat to Rennes, and it was widely claimed he was targeting Doue for his one-man show.
He said: “We have to play for Paris Saint-Germain to win matches, because if we play alone on the pitch, it’s not going to work. We’re not going to win the titles we want.
“Last season, we always put the club first, before thinking about ourselves.
“I think we need to rediscover that, especially in these kinds of matches. PSG should come first, not individual players.”
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