OM v PSG: Luis Enrique on the Classico, Ballon d'Or and preparations | OneFootball

Sunday, during the 5th round 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, broadcast on Ligue1+). On the eve of this match, Parisian coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.

Enrique "We know the importance of this match"

Has there been a debate about vice-captain Hakimi given that a rape trial is underway?

"I've never selected the captain, it's the days that decide their representatives. Marquinhos is the captain of this team. As for the rest, it's not public. If the information comes out then we can talk about it."

Are you satisfied with the short preparation for this Classico?

"We don't need several days to prepare a classico. We know the importance of this match for our supporters and for the club."

Enrique "A match does not represent the gap between two teams"

Has the gap between OM and PSG widened since the season?

"I don't know. When you play a football match, especially away, it's always difficult. A match does not represent the gap between two teams. It depends on many circumstances. We want to play our match, try to be better than them."

Who has more pressure between you and Roberto De Zerbi?

"The pressure is for all the coaches. For all the players, the supporters. These are different matches, we love to play and train for this. We love to go to the stadium to see this passion. At Parc des Princes we are used to it. And no matter who is the favorite, you have to prepare the match as usual."

Enrique "It's very nice, it's very nice to calm a whole stadium."

Where do you rank the Stade Vélodrome among the hottest atmospheres in Europe?

"I can't rank each stadium. But for me as a coach, as a team, it's great to play away. It's very nice, it's very nice to calm a whole stadium. And normally when we play away in Europe, we always hear more from our supporters and that's what we like."

What is your view on OM's project?

"I'm not here to talk about the opponent and even less during a Classico."

Enrique "In the first few minutes, we want to overcome this pressure."

Last season you won 3-0, are you expecting a tougher match this year?

"All matches are different. I think we are prepared for this type of match. In the first few minutes, we want to overcome this pressure. And we will try to do the same as these last two years."

Yesterday OM's goalkeeper said he was going to face the best PSG in history, do you agree?

"It's hard to answer that, because I don't think about it. We just need to think about 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 in my head " and Ousmane Ballon d'Or, Ousmane Ballon d'Or "

Enrique "I've seen the improvement of referees in Europe."

For you, what quality should a referee have to manage this kind of match?

"I think there's a good improvement on the referee's side. They get better every year. For me it's important not to put too much pressure on them. I see it, I referee here at training 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 of referees in Europe."

Can you ignore the emotional aspect of these matches?

"There's a lot of information, pressure around these matches. But you always have to be connected, know how to manage yourself, know how to control your emotions. That's the most important."

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