We wondered if he was going to favor one match over the other, if Marseille would pay the price for Luis Enrique's compulsive turnover or if the Coupe de France would, on the contrary, see a slightly different Parisian composition a week later. host FC Barcelona in the Champions League.
This was not the case: as at the Vélodrome on Sunday and as expected, Luis Enrique lined up what can almost be considered his typical team this Wednesday evening, against Rennes in the semi-final of the Coupe de France.
“This season, rotation is not much of a subject for me”
“He can rest the big players against Clermont, but this semi-final is an important match so he had to put the big team on,” said Sacha, 31, a season ticket holder in the Auteuil corner and member of the CUP. This season, rotation is not too much of a subject for me. The eleven changes often, there have been no crises in the locker room or too many injuries and that is important. »
Even if, he assures us, he “did not very agree” with the replacement of Kylian Mbappé in the 64th minute, Sunday evening. “I understood his management until now but in Marseille, I didn’t understand,” breathes Sacha. A few meters at the foot of the bend, Alexandre, 22, does not have the same opinion: “Enrique knows how to manage Mbappé, whether he likes it or not,” says the young man. There is the Coupe de France and the Champions League, he has to be in good shape. Luis Enrique is a good coach, he makes a lot of changes, he knows how to manage the team and the stars. »
Also read “You have the armband, so stay dignified until the end”: why Mbappé’s attitude in Marseille divides
In the stands, of course, the Mbappé subject caused discussion. “He’s the best player in the world, there’s no problem about that,” smiles Jérémy, 36, delivery driver. But I think there are very few coaches on the planet who would like to have to manage him during his last months in Paris. »
And Alexis, a 51-year-old salesman, agrees: “We have to keep it for the big matches, especially the Cup,” says the fifty-year-old, also a subscriber to Auteuil. Me, I like the way Enrique runs his boat because in reality what would bother me is if we lost him in a match with no stakes. »
“At the Vélodrome, victory comes from the bench! »
“How could anyone be critical of its management? Jeremy asks. The victory at OM is him. It is Enrique who makes the decision to release Mbappé, Kolo Muani, Zaire-Emery, Dembélé and Ruiz. At the Vélodrome, victory comes from the bench! »
It doesn't matter to them that the coach doesn't always put in the form to set up his turnover or make his changes during the match. “On the contrary, that’s what we like,” Jérémy laughs, clenching his fist. A little rigor doesn't hurt. » Alexis supports: “Apart from Kylian who is angry, I have the impression that the players have integrated his mode of operation. »
Undoubtedly awaiting a big turnover this Saturday, against Clermont and four days from Barcelona, Luis Enrique brought back eight of the eleven at the Vélodrome, where the numerically inferior victory of the Parisians (2-0) greatly pleased the supporters , to the point of making it a banner brandished before the match against Rennes: “Victory in inferiority, warrior mentality. You make us proud. »
“Victory in inferiority, warrior mentality, you make us proud”: the message from @Co_Ultras_Paris after #LeClassique, #OMPSG. pic.twitter.com/lV5wKohm52
— Alexandre Aflalo (@aflaalex) April 3, 2024
But Parisian supporters know it, only the results during the decisive matches will validate the Spanish coach's method. “For the moment, we are on track,” continues Jérémy. There are four trophies to go for, we almost already have two: the Champions Trophy and the championship which, without insulting anyone, is already in our pocket. All that remains is to go find the others. »