Luis Enrique slams Club World Cup pitches and claims PSG players ‘jumping around like a rabbit’
The comments come despite Paris Saint-Germain's progression to the knockout rounds.
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique didn’t hold back in his criticism of the pitch at Seattle’s Lumen Field following their 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders in the Club World Cup.
Despite topping their group, his main concern was the uneven playing surface, warning that FIFA must take this into account if it wants the tournament to maintain elite standards.
The temporary hybrid grass laid over what was normally an artificial field made life difficult for PSG. As Enrique put it: “I wouldn’t imagine a NBA court full of holes.” His biggest gripe? ”The ball bounces almost like if it were jumping around like a rabbit.”
“What I really care about is the state of the field of play, and I say this on the day we’ve won.”
Enrique described how the half-time pitch watering efforts quickly dried up and hindered PSG’s flowing style.
“Lumen Field is an example, it used to be artificial turf and now it’s natural grass. They had to water it manually, which they did at half-time, but the field was dry again within 10 minutes… For our style of play, this is a problem. The surface is very different from European pitches… but we adapted well and we’re very happy with the result.”
PSG boss Luis Enrique is NOT happy with the Club World Cup pitches, suggesting the ball "bounces like it's a rabbit" ⚽🐇 pic.twitter.com/Wwygzljajm
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 24, 2025
His frustration echoed earlier comments from players at the tournament. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, following his side’s 3-1 win over Pachuca in Charlotte, said: “The pitches aren’t great at all. It holds up the ball, the ball barely bounces. It’s tough on the knees as well. Hopefully there’s someone who will look at that going into the World Cup next year.”
With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, worries are growing. Five stadiums used in this tournament, including Lumen Field, MetLife Stadium, and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, will be sites for the tournament.
Criticism of pitch standards in the US isn’t new. During last year’s Copa America, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez called the surface at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium “a disaster.”