Didier Digard, a former midfielder trained at Le Havre who spent time at Paris Saint-Germain (2007–2008) and is now coach of the Normandy club, was asked in press conference whether he planned to adopt a very defensive approach this Saturday against PSG for Matchday 13 of Ligue 1 2025–2026. His answer was clear.
Digard: “I don’t know how to do it, and it doesn’t make me happy.”
“I won’t be ‘parking the bus’ against PSG. I won’t do it because I don’t know how to, and it doesn’t make me happy. I’m also convinced that when you convey a message you truly believe in, the players buy into it more easily. What brings continuity is your game content, not the result.
Digard: “It doesn’t really give you any guarantees.”
If you park the bus and, by chance, you manage to get a draw, for me it’s complicated because it doesn’t really give you any guarantees, and you won’t be able to reproduce that every weekend. On the other hand, if you play well but lose, you still have many things you can build on, knowing you won’t be playing PSG every weekend.”
While PSG are used to facing very low blocks, especially in Ligue 1, this statement is refreshing. It gives hope for a more open and lively match. That doesn’t guarantee Paris will win — several “playful” teams have already managed to trouble them — but it’s certainly more exciting to watch than another parked bus.
Digard’s words are also interesting beyond the prospect of an open match. He refuses to betray his principles, as he wouldn’t enjoy it and doesn’t believe it helps his team progress. There is a clear philosophy, and this match against PSG will be a great test. It may allow them to strengthen certain certainties and highlight points that need improvement to work on in the future.
