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Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique expressed on السبت that his team remains unfazed by the rescheduling of their Ligue 1 encounter against Lyon. Originally set for an earlier date, the match was postponed to Monday at the request of Paris police due to ongoing violent protests in the French capital.
Despite the change, PSG, who currently sit second in the league, show no signs of distraction or concern over the new timing, which now coincides with the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony. “If we play on Monday, it’s better given the current situation,” Luis Enrique said during a press conference, emphasizing his acceptance of the adjustment amid extraordinary circumstances.
The rescheduling also takes into account the logistical challenges faced by local authorities, who are managing heightened security demands not only because of the protests but also due to the first-ever NFL regular season game in France, featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France on Sunday.
Maintaining Focus Amid Distractions
Lyon currently lead the league on goal difference, but with only a single point separating the top six teams, the standings remain highly competitive, and both clubs could find themselves outside the top three by the time Monday’s match kicks off. The game is scheduled to begin at 20:30 Paris time (19:30 GMT), just minutes before the Ballon d’Or ceremony concludes in London.
PSG boasts a record 10 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, including the defending champion Ousmane Dembele and World Cup winner Fabian Ruiz. However, Luis Enrique dismissed any distractions from the ceremony. “It doesn’t interest me in the slightest. I remain focused on the match,” he stated firmly, acknowledging the individual accolades but prioritizing the team’s performance.
Despite recent injuries affecting the squad, Luis Enrique confirmed that the team’s morale remains intact and that they are not disheartened by these setbacks as they prepare for the crucial fixture against Lyon.
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