On Sunday, during the 5th matchday of Ligue 1 2025-2026, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Olympique de Marseille (7th) at the Stade Vélodrome (kick-off at 8:45 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, Paris’ coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at his press conference.
Enrique: “We know the importance of this match”
Was there any discussion about vice-captain Hakimi, given that a rape trial is ongoing?
“I have never selected the captain; the players themselves decide their representatives. Marquinhos is the captain of this team. As for the rest, it’s not public. If information comes out, then we can talk about it.”
Are you satisfied with the short preparation time for this “Classique”?
“We don’t need several days to prepare for a “Classique”. We know the importance of this match for our fans and for the club.”
Enrique: “One match doesn’t reflect the gap between two teams”
Has the gap between OM and PSG widened since the start of the season?
“I don’t know. When you play a football match, especially away from home, it’s always difficult. One match doesn’t reflect the gap between two teams. It depends on many circumstances. We want to play our game and try to be better than them.”
Who has more pressure, you or Roberto De Zerbi?
“Pressure is for all coaches. For all players, for the fans. These are different matches; we like to play and train for them. We like going to the stadium to see this passion. At the Parc des Princes, we are used to it. And no matter who is the favorite, we have to prepare for the match as usual.”
Enrique: “It’s very beautiful, it’s very beautiful to silence an entire stadium.”
Where do you rank the Stade Vélodrome among the most passionate atmospheres in Europe? “I can’t rank every stadium. But for me, as a coach, as a team, it’s great to play away from home. It’s very nice, it’s very satisfying to silence an entire stadium. And normally when we play away in Europe, we always hear our supporters more, and that’s what we like.”
What are your thoughts on OM’s project?
“I’m not here to talk about the opponent, and even less so during a ‘Classico’ match.”
Enrique: “In the first few minutes, we want to overcome that pressure.”
Last season you won 3-0, do you expect a more difficult match this year?
“Every match is different. I think we are prepared for this type of match. In the first few minutes, we want to overcome that pressure. And we are going to try to do the same as the last two years.”
Yesterday, OM’s goalkeeper said he was going to face the best PSG team in history, do you agree?
“It’s difficult to answer that, because I don’t think about it. We simply have to focus on improving. These debates are for the summer on the beach, when you have time. I just want to coach my team so that everyone enjoys playing.”
What do you expect from the Ballon d’Or result this Monday?
“I don’t expect anything special, I just have this song stuck in my head: ‘Ousmane Ballon d’Or, Ousmane Ballon d’Or’.”
Enrique: “I’ve seen the improvement in referees in Europe.”
In your opinion, what qualities should a referee have to manage this kind of match?
“I think there has been good improvement on the part of the referees. They are better every year. For me, it’s important not to put too much pressure on them. I see it, I referee here during training sessions during the week and all the players criticize me. I always try not to attack or criticize the referees.” “And I’ve seen the improvement in refereeing in Europe.”
Are you able to ignore the emotional aspect of these matches?
“There’s a lot of information and pressure surrounding these matches. But you always have to stay focused, manage yourself, and control your emotions. That’s the most important thing.”
