Luis Enrique won't 'play with fire' as PSG boss plans to ditch his new rugby coach routine so he can 'feel the heat' of fiery derby against Marseille

PSG head coach Enrique has twice experimented with watching PSG matches from the stands. Seated higher up, headphones on, and giving instructions to his staff on the touchline, he found the vantage point valuable for observing team structure and opponent identity before later moving down to the touchline. But while Parc des Princes provided the perfect safe space for tactical exploration, Enrique has already confirmed that the upcoming fiery clash against Marseille will be a return to the touchline as he is mindful of both the hostile environment and his ongoing recovery from a broken collarbone.

"I wanted to play the first half in the stands, it's always better because you have more information and the vision is better," he said after his side's 4-0 win against Atalanta in the Champions League on Wednesday. "At the same time, I think the players and the team overcame their pressure brilliantly. It's easier to see the opponent's identity and how to press them. In the second half, they changed a bit, they defended in a midfield block, but I think we dominated the whole match."

The Spaniard further added: "Away from home, I don't dare. Especially for my physical well-being, which is not at its best at the moment. It's better not to play with fire. I'll be down there with my players to feel the heat. It's a classic of French football, a match that everyone wants to play and coach in an intense atmosphere. It's always attractive for all the players."

Asked where the idea to observe from the stands, he said: "I've seen rugby coaches watch games with a very different perspective for a long time. I like the opportunity to look for that improvement. I wanted to watch the first half from the stands and it's magnificent. It's different. I can control everything. It's an interesting option that I'll use in the future. After that, you can do the halftime talk perfectly because you've seen exactly who played well on the pitch. We have a lot of direct information. In that sense, it's very positive."

The Velodrome showdown has been rated a level 5 risk - the highest security alert - by France’s anti-hooliganism unit (DNLH). As a result, PSG fans are banned from traveling to Marseille, while OM supporters will miss the return match in Paris. The move comes after violent clashes with police in March and unrest during PSG’s title celebrations in May 2025. Even under heavy security, PSG–OM remains one of Europe’s fiercest and most volatile rivalries, with tensions off the pitch echoing the intensity on it.

PSG have managed well without Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, with Bradley Barcola’s goals and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s recovery boosting the side in their outing against Atalanta. But their true depth and resilience will be tested in their upcoming league match against Marseille on September 22.