Two days before the Classic, rarely have OM and PSG seemed on such opposite trajectories. Still in the running phase, the capital club will arrive at the Vélodrome (Sunday, 8:45 p.m.) with its status as double European champion, on the strength of its first victory in Ligue 1 (in Brest, 1-0), after having crushed Slovan Bratislava (6-1) in the Champions League. Only Hakimi is uncertain for this meeting. In Marseille, on the other hand, it’s a grimace, especially after this 4th consecutive defeat in all competitions yesterday on Besiktas’ pitch in the Europa League (4-1).
Even if Luis Enrique refuses the label of favorite in this meeting, “there is none in football, especially in a Classic», It is clear that the mood, the strength of the squad and the confidence are on the Parisian side. The Asturian knows football too well to recite this little music. It’s a different match, where OM will be pushed by their audience, by the context, even if the Vélodrome may not be full. Provocations, the desire to do well, to beat your best enemy, the pride of winning at home are also elements to take into account.
A somewhat unknown OM for Luis Enrique
In other words, you should always be wary of the injured animal. “ It’s impossible for a PSG player to be relaxed before this match. We know its importance for the club and for the players. They will be excited, because this type of environment gives you more motivation. This is also a problem, because it will be necessary to control emotions. We need this », Indicates Luis Enrique to the press. According to him, we must forget the past, the titles obtained, and even the defeat at the Vélodrome in September 2025, the first in Ligue 1 for PSG in 14 years, in a tense atmosphere.
And then, OM is a bit of an enigma for the Parisian coach after his transfer window where everything was turned upside down. “ There will be different circumstances. They changed coaches and a lot of players left. It’s hard to know what to expecthe admits. You will have to be ready, whatever the training or behavior on the ground. What is certain is the atmosphere of a Classic and the difficulty in this type of match. There are things we can’t control. It’s a match highly anticipated by the fans, and us as a team. » With only one instruction: victory.
