Dembele Ambitious to Bring PSG to Press Chelsea's Revival in the Second Leg of the Champions League 16 English: Dembele Ambitious to Bring PSG to Press Chelsea's Revival in the Second Leg of the Champions League 16

Ousmane Dembele does not want to ease the pressure on Chelsea (Instagram/@psg).

Ousmane Dembele feels ambitious ahead of a crucial part of the season and is fully intent on shining for Paris Saint-Germain.

No wonder, he and Manager Luis Enrique have no intention of easing the pressure on Chelsea in the second leg of the Champions League 16th round on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, early morning WIB.

Not only did this fast attacker finally feel fit after a persistent injury that kept him out, but he also wanted to steal the spotlight again. As he did last season when he helped PSG win the Champions League for the first time plus individual achievements by winning the Ballon d'Or.

"I'm even more determined to win another trophy with PSG. This is also the World Cup year and I'm very motivated. I know I've had some injury problems, but I need to show myself," said Dembele.

A calf and hamstring injury has forced Dembele to miss 14 games. He also appeared to limp off the pitch earlier this season.

However, his extraordinary solo goal in the 5-2 win in the first leg against Chelsea last week - when he ran from the halfway line - was more reminiscent of Dembele last season and his career-best record of 35 goals.

"I like to have a lot of ball possession. I like to move freely and do a lot of running. I have to be in 100 percent condition to play in this role. I want to score or assist in every game and that hasn't changed," said Dembele.

A three-goal lead may feel hard to overcome for Chelsea who have been thrown out of the top four in the English League, but Luis Enrique still expects a very difficult match.

"There are four teams with a three-goal advantage. Let's see how many will qualify. It's impossible to relax in the Champions League, impossible. Chelsea will have chances," Enrique said referring to Manchester City, Tottenham, and Sporting CP, who are all behind by a three-goal margin.

Last season PSG almost collapsed against Aston Villa in the quarter-finals despite winning the first leg 3-1 in Paris and taking a 2-0 lead in the second leg. In the end PSG survived with a 2-3 defeat and almost continued the match into extra time.

"That was a real example (of) what can happen in a football match," Luis Enrique said, about the chances of teams trailing in the first leg.

Meanwhile, to secure a ticket to the quarter-finals, PSG must certainly overcome the Blues' resurgence. However, this does not mean that PSG will prioritize defense.

"Luis Enrique used the word resilience, which is the hallmark of our team. You have to know how to suffer in this tournament."

"Any team that wins it has suffered (like) we did against Aston Villa and Arsenal (in last season's semi-final)."

"However, we can't just sit in the last 15-20 meters and maintain the lead. Our mentality is always to win the game," said Dembele.

For PSG, one of their problems is choosing who really belongs in the starting XI of the elite squad. Dembele is definitely a starter.

Only, Luis Enrique has to cross out Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue - who scored two goals in last year's Champions League final - or Bradley Barcola who is back on his feet.

Kvaratskhelia made a big impact as a substitute in the first leg against Chelsea last week, scoring two goals and providing an assist for Vitinha's goal as PSG took a seemingly convincing victory.

For his first goal, Kvaratskhelia poked in from the left and fired a hard shot past Filip Jorgensen. The Georgian prefers playing on the left wing, but that's where Barcola plays and his performance makes it difficult to displace him.

"Many players change positions. The coach likes players who play different roles," said Dembele.