Luis Enrique, head coach of Paris Saint-Germain, recently caught the attention of the sports world by leading a training session… from a Haulotte aerial work platform. An unexpected image that might just mark the beginning of a new trend in high-performance sports training.
A unique scene, a strategic approach
Just days before a major Champions League match, Luis Enrique was photographed overseeing his team’s training from the platform of a Haulotte Optimum 8 electric scissor lift. Shared widely across social media and the press, the image raised both eyebrows and intrigue. While it may appear unconventional, this approach reflects a deliberate strategy.
The advantage of elevation
A coach known for his innovative methods, Enrique previously used scaffolding during his time at FC Barcelona to get a broader perspective on the field. Since joining PSG in 2023, he’s taken things further, opting for the Haulotte Optimum 8, a compact electric MEWP that offers greater flexibility and ease of movement.
With a working height of 7.77 meters, the Optimum 8 allows him to gain a panoramic view of training drills, enabling him to assess positioning and spacing in real time. When asked about this practice, the coach explains that it enables him to better visualize his team’s collective movements and intervene immediately, without waiting for post-training video analysis. A gain in reactivity which, he believes, boosts overall performance.
Credit: PSG TV exclusive, @psgcommunity_
Safety remains essential
Even in this unusual context, safety is paramount. Any use of a MEWP, whether for facility maintenance or elite sports coaching, must follow industry safety regulations. Operators and passengers must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including a fall arrest harness properly secured to an anchor point within the platform. These precautions are vital to preventing falls and ensuring full compliance with access equipment standards.
Everything you need to know about safety:
A common sight in the U.S.
While this practice might seem novel in Europe, it’s already well established in American sports. In the NFL, teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles routinely use MEWPs (particularly telescopic or scissor lifts) to capture overhead footage from heights of up to 14 meters for strategic video analysis.
Back in 2018, the Detroit Lions combined fixed towers with mobile scissor lifts to allow for real-time capture and review of drills, pairing flexibility with speed. The difference lies in the application: while American teams use MEWPs primarily for video capture, Luis Enrique uses his platform for direct, on-the-spot coaching.
Credit: ESPN Polo Pablo Ramirez Photos – ww.lentedigital.com.ar
Clear benefits for elite training
Coaching from a MEWP offers several tangible advantages:
- Immediate decision-making: Coaches can give feedback without waiting for video playback.
- Operational efficiency: Less downtime between observing and adjusting plays.
- Enhanced spatial awareness: Viewing drills from above helps assess positioning more clearly.
Though uncommon in European football, the use of mobile elevated platforms offers significant potential for high-performance training environments. Haulotte’s compact, mobile, and quiet electric MEWPs present an ideal solution particularly when paired with strong safety awareness.
For this practice to become more mainstream, continuous education on safe MEWP use will be essential. PPE must be viewed not as optional, but as standard whether you’re maintaining a facility or coaching champions from above.