PSG-Barça under tension: Luis Enrique hopes for normal conditions despite violence in France

Luis Enrique expressed on Monday at a press conference his hope to see PSG-Barcelona take place “under normal conditions”, as the context of violence in France casts uncertainty over the third matchday Ligue des Champions encounter, scheduled for Tuesday evening at Parc des Princes.

More than 2,000 Catalan supporters are expected for this clash classified as high-risk by the National Division for the Fight Against Hooliganism (DNLH). While authorities do not fear disturbances inside the stadium, attention is focused on the surroundings of Parc des Princes, following a weekend marked by violence and looting, particularly in Paris.

“I am not the ideal person to speak on this subject. I am here to talk about football,” said the Paris coach, before conceding: “It is clear that we do not like this type of violence, but it is society. In my case, I must remain focused on the match.” Invited to elaborate further, the Catalan manager chose restraint: “I have my opinions but I am not here to express them. I am not afraid, but I hope the match can proceed normally.”

On the authorities’ side, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez ruled out any postponement of the match. A curfew that could impact the running of the match is, however, not formally ruled out.