Luis Enrique warns of unfair PSG schedule if Rennes home tie is moved

Luis Enrique says Paris Saint-Germain must be allowed to host Rennes at Parc des Princes in the return fixture, after the first meeting between the sides was exceptionally moved to Roazhon Park because of damage to the Paris club’s pitch.

PSG are due to play Rennes away on Sunday evening, despite the match originally being scheduled for the French capital. The fixture was switched after successive heatwaves left the Parc des Princes surface in poor condition.

Rennes reportedly do not want to give up their right to stage the second meeting at Roazhon Park as well. Ligue 1 has yet to announce whether the order of the two matches will be reversed.

Speaking at his pre-match news conference, PSG manager Luis Enrique made clear that he believes the return fixture should be played at his team’s home ground during the second half of the season.

“I don’t know the regulations, but when you start a competition, there is a very important principle: equality between all teams. You cannot play twice away from home against the same team. All teams must face each other once away and once at home,” the Spanish manager said, according to RMC.

PSG’s position is based on the “exceptional circumstances” provision contained in Article 501.3 of the regulations of the French professional league. That section includes cases involving the deterioration of a playing surface.

The club argues that the move to Rennes was made because of circumstances outside the normal sporting considerations and should not result in PSG losing one of its scheduled home fixtures against the same opponent.

If the return match is also held at Roazhon Park in March 2027, PSG would play one fewer home game than every other club in Ligue 1. Enrique believes that outcome would create an unfair situation for his side.

The league’s decision is therefore expected to determine whether the two fixtures will be split between the two clubs’ stadiums or whether Rennes will host both games. Until an official ruling is issued, the original arrangement remains at the centre of the dispute.

The issue has added controversy to a fixture that was already altered because of the condition of the Parc des Princes pitch. PSG will travel to Rennes for Sunday’s match, while the question of where the return meeting will be staged remains unresolved.

The debate has focused on the principle of equal treatment in Ligue 1, with Enrique insisting that a team should not be required to play both matches against one opponent away from home.

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