On Sunday, during Matchday 5 of the 2026-2027 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain (7th) will face Olympique de Marseille (13th) at the Stade Vélodrome (kick-off at 8:45 PM, CET). On the eve of the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered several questions during a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “The strategy? Winning major trophies.”
Last Sunday, you said you played your worst match of the season; what more do you expect this Sunday?
That’s true. But I have to make a correction after analyzing it. It wasn’t the worst, but the least good [smiles]. Against Monaco, Lille, and Rennes, we deserved more points. But against Brest, it was different. We played less well, partly because they played very well. We always struggle there.
What is the club’s strategy regarding the Ballon d’Or? Are Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé being highlighted?
The strategy? Winning major trophies. We don’t make the decisions as a club. We are very happy to have 10 players among the top 30 in the world. If we could decide, we would have included Désiré (Doué) too. Why isn’t he there? We want to stand up for our players. We think we deserve this trophy. We always back our players. We hope a PSG player wins, and there are plenty of options. Ultimately, we protect our players as a team.
Luis Enrique: “We have to be ready, regardless of the formation or the on-field approach.”
What do you expect when facing an OM side that is struggling?
There will be various factors at play. They’ve changed coaches, and many players have left. It’s hard to know exactly what to expect. We have to be ready, regardless of the formation or the on-field approach. What is certain is the atmosphere of Le Classique and the difficulty of playing this kind of match. We need to focus on the elements we can control. The goal is to take the 3 points.
Luis Enrique: “I appreciate his mentality; he’s a player who makes the difference.”
Does Doué experience a lot of ups and downs during a season?
He’s an incredible player. It’s a real pleasure to have a player with his mentality. He started the majority of matches early in the season, and I’m very happy with that. All players have their ups and downs; that’s normal. I appreciate his mentality—he’s a player who makes the difference.
Can the tension affect the approach to the match?
These are the Classiques. That’s why we call it a different, special kind of match. We’re used to playing these types of games—important matches. I think we’ll be ready to win. What happened previously isn’t a reliable guide. We’ll be motivated to be the better team, but it won’t be easy.
Luis Enrique: “Managing emotions will be important.”
Less hype surrounding the match this season?
It’s impossible for a PSG player to be relaxed before a Classique. We know the importance of the three points and what it means to the fans. None of our players will be relaxed. They might be very excited. The atmosphere can provide extra motivation, but that can also be a problem. Managing emotions will be important—especially for a team like ours that needs to control the game.
Do you understand the ban on away fans at the Vélodrome that has been in place for 11 years?
I don’t know. I’ve been here for three years, and it’s been a very complicated issue. Normally, you can face sanctions for using overly harsh chants. I believe sport is a tool for bringing people together; that’s why it’s used in education. That said, it’s more a question of knowing what might happen if you give the Ultras what they want. I just hope the football match takes place without any signs of violence.
Luis Enrique: “I think it’s a bit strange.”
How do you handle a three-week break?
The difference is that the breaks are back-to-back. I think it’s a bit strange, but we have to accept it. It might turn out to be positive. We’ll try to carry on as usual. We don’t have many players staying behind, so there will be individual training programs. When they return, the internationals and the rest of the squad will be ready for a packed schedule.
A message for Génésio, who is in a difficult situation?
No, why would I have a message? He’s a great coach whom everyone knows. He’s top-class. I’m staying focused on what matters to me. I wish him the best—for after the match. Oh wait, sorry, let me take that back; he’s the OM coach (smiles). I wish him the best for the future.
Is Hakimi ready to face OM? What do you think? I don’t want to give any information to our opponents. We’ll see tomorrow. There’s a training session, and we’ll see if he’s there. But you know the history and how I think.
Luis Enrique: “I’m not interested in all the surrounding noise.”
Do you consider PSG the heavy favorite for Le Classique?
There are no favorites in football, let alone in Le Classique. It’s a very important match for us; we need to take the three points. We remain focused on improving. Beyond that, I’m not interested in the surrounding noise.
Safonov said he doesn’t experience doubt; do you sense any?
I have great confidence in all the players on my team. That’s my job as a coach. We are PSG; there is criticism. That’s clear, and we have to accept it. The sooner you accept it, the better. I don’t see any PSG players worried about what is being said. We’re used to it; it’s normal.
