Luis Enrique Urges PSG to Control Emotions in Marseille Showdown
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique stressed the need for his players to maintain composure as they gear up for a highly anticipated clash against Olympique de Marseille. Sunday’s “Le Classique” pits Ligue 1’s reigning champions, PSG, against their historic rivals, with the game set to take place in the charged atmosphere of Marseille’s Stade Velodrome. PSG leads the league, while Marseille, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, trails closely behind, sitting third and just three points away from the Parisians.
Luis Enrique is keenly aware of the heightened emotions that accompany “Le Classique,” acknowledging that form often takes a back seat in such intense encounters. Despite PSG’s unbeaten run in Ligue 1 this season, he cautioned that the players must focus on striking the right balance in their energy. “With this type of match, it doesn't matter what you’ve done before,” Enrique noted, emphasizing that although motivation will naturally be high, they need to avoid being overwhelmed. “You need 100 per cent motivation, not 105 per cent. You mustn't be ruled by emotions.”
PSG’s performance has been solid, with Enrique highlighting their impressive Champions League draw against PSV Eindhoven as a sign of his team’s progression. This season, PSG finds itself five points ahead of last year’s pace, with Enrique feeling optimistic about their current form. Both Marseille and AS Monaco have shown strong form, keeping the Ligue 1 race competitive and pushing PSG to stay sharp.
Both managers have expressed mutual respect ahead of the showdown. De Zerbi recently praised Enrique as “one of the best coaches in the world,” and Enrique returned the compliment, admiring De Zerbi’s success at Brighton & Hove Albion. Known for his attacking philosophy, De Zerbi led Brighton to their first-ever European qualification with a dynamic style, a quality Enrique appreciates. “For me, De Zerbi is an exciting coach that I followed at Brighton,” Enrique said. “The way he wants to dominate matches, his ability to convince his players… I hope I won’t have as much fun tomorrow.”
An intriguing subplot to the clash will be PSG encountering their former youth player, Adrien Rabiot, now playing for Marseille. Enrique, no stranger to playing for rival clubs himself after a career with both Real Madrid and Barcelona, downplayed the significance of players crossing club lines. He noted, “It’s a matter of feeling... Everyone does what they want, it would be a shame for people to judge him, it’s common in football.”
Sunday’s “Le Classique” promises to be an intense, closely contested match, with PSG determined to extend their unbeaten run and Marseille looking to make up ground in the Ligue 1 standings. Enrique’s call for controlled aggression will be pivotal as PSG seeks to maintain their lead while keeping their focus in an emotionally charged arena.
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