On Sunday, as part of the 26th day of Ligue 1 2024-2025, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will take on Olympique de Marseille (2nd) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off 8:45pm, UTC+1). On the eve of the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered a number of questions at a press conference.
Enrique “I think the fans should concentrate on the players, the team”.
Sunday’s match will be closely watched in terms of insulting chants towards OM what’s your opinion?
“I’m relatively new to this. It’s been three classics on my side. We know that it’s going to be a special match, at home it’s special for the players, for the team and above all for the fans. My thinking is always the same. Our supporters are very important to us, in every match and in every competition. We love their spirit.
We love the fact that we never give up. I can talk about the two seasons when they’ve been behind us at every game, and I’d like us to be able to count on that support for all the remaining games, and that’s my objective. I know it happens in every country and every classico, the level of excitement you find in these games.
But I think the fans should concentrate on the players, the team, and not worry about the opposition. There’s no greater indifference than devoting all your energy to supporting your team. And that’s what I hope happens.”
Enrique “Laws and rules must apply to everyone.”
It’s a classic Adrien Rabiot comeback, and the ultras have already stressed that they’ll be giving him special treatment. Having played for Barcelona and Real Madrid, do you have a more sympathetic view of these events?
“I don’t remember being whistled at at the Bernabeu. They never said a word to me, never insulted me, it was great. Listen, there’s a lot to be said for that, but I don’t want to get into that game, and of course I have the utmost respect for all the players on rival teams. And I have nothing more to say. Laws and rules must apply to everyone.”
Is this the ideal match to maintain the intensity present after Wednesday night’s qualification?
“A classico always requires more calm than motivation. The potential sin would be excess. It won’t be a match where the days are apathetic, quite the contrary. These matches are always very special, very exciting.”
Enrique “You can’t imagine a championship without these games.”
Does this fixture still have the same flavour, despite the points difference?
“I don’t think the classicos have anything to do with the standings. The rivalry has existed for years, it’s historic. I see it as something positive. Both clubs need each other. You can’t imagine a championship without these matches.”
Will you be doing any major rotation?
“It’s a long week. I’ll be able to use any eleven, we’re used to playing at an intense pace. In the end we’re playing there, five days after Liverpool which is practically a full week’s rest.”
Désiré Doué has been called up to the French national team, how did you react?
“I’m very happy that a player is making his debut for the national team. Last summer he had several options and chose PSG. I think it was the best option for him and it’s also important for future players we want to sign here, that they know we’re not a club that wants to make its players more powerful.”
Enrique “obviously I’m going to look at them with different eyes”
PSG’s future Champions League opponents are Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, what do you think?
“The draw is what it is. Of course I know Aston Villa, I’ve watched a lot of their games as a soccer fan. Now of course I’m going to watch them with a different eye. And when the time comes, we’ll analyze the difficulties associated with this team, one of the best in Europe.”
Enrique: “OM will be pressing hard and looking for possession”.
How will you approach the match? Do you want to secure or “beat up” Olympique de Marseille?
“My way of preparing for this match is first and foremost the importance of the classico. Everything is totally detached from the standings, there’s something more to this match. Secondly, they’re in second place, so a win would show that we’re competitive in every game. I think OM will be pressing hard and looking for possession. There will be a very important tactical aspect, and above all I hope we’ll have a great party as well as a great game of soccer.”
What does tomorrow’s match mean to you?
“For me, it’s one of the most important matches when you wear the PSG shirt. It can give our supporters extra joy, and as it’s one of the most beautiful things you can experience as a professional, living these good moments, winning titles and seeing that what you do on the pitch represents a joy for the week for every supporter, it’s obviously one of the most beautiful things. All that motivates me is to write new pages in the club’s history.”
