Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has made headlines with his candid admission about his dislike for media obligations, revealing he would willingly accept a 50% salary reduction to escape press duties.
Luis Enrique’s tumultuous relationship with the French media has been well-documented, particularly regarding inquiries about Kylian Mbappe’s start to life and future when the French man was at the club.
The former Barcelona and Spain coach often finds himself infuriated by repetitive questions, which dominated press conferences regarding the Real Madrid star.
When asked in May, if he had spoken to Kylian Mbappe about his move to Real Madrid, Luis Enrique gave a stoic response, saying: “I think that today is a rainy day, but at the same time very nice because it allows you to breathe a different air.”
“I like rainy days, it reminds me of my homeland, Gijón. I think I have answered perfectly what you asked me.”
Meanwhile, in a recent behind-the-scenes documentary for Movistar, Luis Enrique expressed his frustration, stating he would sign away half his salary to avoid media commitments.
The former Roma boss said this during a pre-match press conference ahead of PSG’s Ligue 1 clash against Rennes, where the Parisians won 3-1 on Friday, September 27.
Luis Enrique interview with the French media
Luis Enrique clarified his stance, saying: “It was a spontaneous comment, but it’s true. If I could avoid [media duties], I would, especially post-match interviews when I don’t have the energy.”
He acknowledged the contractual obligations requiring managers to engage with the press, emphasizing:
“I’ve never cut a press conference short; I say what I have to say, even in other languages, not very well, but I do it.”
Despite his reservations, Luis Enrique insisted he enjoys interacting with journalists, joking: “I have a great time with you all; I get on well with the press.”
This candid revelation from Luis Enrique offers a glimpse into complex situations between football managers and the media, highlighting the tensions that can arise.
High Profile Football Managers Who Clashed with the Media
Luis Enrique’s frustration with the media is not an isolated incident. Several prominent football managers have experienced tense moments with journalists, showcasing strained relationship between the two.
1. Sir Alex Ferguson vs. The BBC (2004-2011)
The legendary Manchester United manager famously boycotted the BBC for seven years due to a documentary criticizing his transfer dealings.
2. Jose Mourinho vs. Various Outlets
Mourinho has had numerous run-ins with the media throughout his career which includes criticizing referee Anthony Taylor’s performance in 2016, clashing with journalist Pablo Giralt over Paul Pogba’s form and confronting a reporter over Tottenham’s transfer policy in 2020.
3. Pep Guardiola vs. Spanish Media (2018)
Guardiola faced criticism for his tactics and team selection while coaching Barcelona, leading to heated exchanges with Spanish journalists.
4. Jurgen Klopp vs. BT Sport (2020)
The former Liverpool boss Klopp confronted a BT Sport journalist over questioning Liverpool’s title chances in 2020.
5. Antonio Conte vs. Italian Media (2017)
The Napoli manager Antonio Conte had public disagreements with Italian journalists over his Chelsea tactics and transfer decisions.
These high-profile incidents illustrate the fragile relationship between football managers and the media, highlighting the pressures and tensions they often go through.
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