Luis Enrique’s New Habit

PSG’s 4-0 win over Atalanta in the Champions League left a striking image: Luis Enrique once again chose to watch the first half from the stands before heading down to the bench for the second half. The Spanish coach had already done the same against Lens and explained that this approach gives him a different perspective on the game.

“I’ve been watching rugby coaches analyze matches from above for a long time, and I like that perspective. From the stands I can control everything and gather direct information. Then you can give the halftime talk with a much more complete analysis,” said the former Spain manager.

Luis Enrique had already hinted at this in his documentary “You Don’t Have a F…ing Clue”, where he imagined coaches of the future managing from above with headsets and communication systems. For him, it’s an inevitable evolution for modern football.

A Practice Impossible in Spain

In France, the rules allow him to test this method, but in Spain it would be impossible. The RFEF regulations are clear: unless there is a case of force majeure, the head coach must be listed on the match sheet and occupy their place on the bench during games. Any other setup would be considered a violation.

Luis Enrique is well aware of this, which is why he admits his experiment can only be applied in Paris. “In Spain it couldn’t be done. And away from home, in other stadiums, I don’t dare,” he explained after the match.

The Admission About His Physical Integrity

When asked about upcoming clashes in Marseille and Barcelona, Luis Enrique was blunt: “Away from home? No! I don’t dare, mostly because of my physical integrity, which isn’t the best,” he said, pointing to his shoulder, recently operated on after a bicycle accident.

The coach added that in high-tension games like the French clásico against Olympique de Marseille, he prefers to be on the touchline: “These are the kind of matches everyone wants to play and coach. They’re intense, and that’s exactly why I want to feel them from the sidelines.”