Amid criticism surrounding Paris Saint-Germain’s coach and his sides’ poor performances, an unlikely person is singing his praises.
Roberto De Zerbi’s Olympique de Marseille face PSG in Le Classique on Sunday, and the former manager at Brighton and Hove Albion shared his thoughts on his coaching counterpart before that encounter.
“One of the best coaches in the world” is how De Zerbi described the man who guided Barcelona to a UEFA Champions League crown during the 2014-15 campaign.
The Italian goes on to say, “He’s a reference for me because he’s got a matrix that I like in his game. I have a lot of respect for him (Luis Enrique).”
🗣️ Roberto De Zerbi élogieux envers Luis Enrique : “C’est l’un des meilleurs au monde et depuis longtemps. Il est évidemment une référence pour moi” pic.twitter.com/E3EmyBSXow
— RMC Sport (@RMCsport) October 25, 2024
Luis Enrique has been heavily scrutinised for his side’s struggles, particularly in Europe, where he boasts the worst winning percentage (40%) among PSG bosses since Qatar Sports Investments took them over.
40 – Luis Enrique n’affiche que 40% de victoires sur le banc du Paris SG en Ligue des Champions (6/15 – 3 nuls, 6 défaites), le plus faible ratio pour un entraîneur du club sous l’ère QSI. Insuffisant. #PSGPSV pic.twitter.com/el8PtvQLj5
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) October 22, 2024
Despite his struggles in Europe, Luis Enrique still managed to guide Les Parisiens into the Champions League semi-finals last season, where Borussia Dortmund eliminated them
PSG are tied with Monaco for first in Ligue 1 but have only won one of their previous four competitive fixtures (4-2 over RC Strasbourg).
OM have also had their struggles in recent times, going winless in consecutive league fixtures before an emphatic 5-0 triumph versus Montpellier HSC last Sunday, putting them third in the table, three points below the joint league-leaders.
Marseille have lost their last three visits to the Parc des Princes in Ligue 1 and were humiliated by the reigning French champions in this exact fixture last season, losing 4-0. Sunday will be the first time De Zerbi squares off against a club managed by Luis Enrique.
