Offside rule shake-up on the cards, spotlight on Hakimi’s understudy | OneFootball

This Tuesday, October 28, the French press (on the sports side) focused on Paris Saint-Germain’s choice of backup for Achraf Hakimi (26-year-old right-back), as he will be resting for the match this Wednesday against Lorient (kick-off at 7 p.m., broadcast on Ligue1+) as part of the 10th matchday of Ligue 1 2025-2026. There is also the possible revolution of the offside rule, driven by Arsène Wenger, former Arsenal coach and now FIFA’s Director of Football Development.

Le Parisien –

L’Equipe –

As for Hakimi, coach Luis Enrique clearly explained that recruiting another specialist would be difficult since he would be unhappy playing so little, given that the Moroccan international is the best in his position and able to play very frequently. But he does need to be replaced sometimes, and so PSG has options. Marquinhos (31-year-old central defender) is one of them. Warren Zaïre-Emery (19-year-old midfielder) as well, along with João Neves (21-year-old midfielder) and Senny Mayulu (19-year-old midfielder).

This Wednesday, it could be complicated for Neves, who is still uncertain for now and very likely not to start after several weeks out. Zaïre-Emery could play, except we’re surprised not to see the sports newspaper mention the Mayulu option more. That was the choice recently when both he and Zaïre-Emery were on the pitch. This could still change, and maybe Mayulu will be rested. In any case, there’s no panic—coach Luis Enrique knows what he’s doing.

As for the offside rule, the temptation is understandable. However, we’re far from convinced. There’s the odd idea (which is even the angle for the Parisien article) that it would reduce goals being disallowed by just a few millimeters. But that will inevitably continue; it will simply be the back of the attacker, not the front, that determines the line. Also, the change is presented as a benefit for more spectacular football. Yet, this advantage given to attackers seems to be an invitation for deeper defending, leaving even less space. Maybe we’re wrong—football always knows how to surprise.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.