What didn’t work: “In the first half, in possession, it was nothing”
“The first half was very complicated. At the start, I was happy to see that Puel had chosen a 4-4-2. I was a little tired of seeing the Greens play the five-derby behind. After that it was a 4-4-2 with defensive players in the middle. I think Puel did not want to take a risk early in the game.
In possession it was nothingness. The Greens struggled to recover the ball, and as soon as they picked it up, they lost it. The four circles were taking too long to provide support. And when they were there, the passes did not happen. There was far too much technical waste. “
What worked: “The first quarter of an hour in the second period”
“I enjoyed the first quarter of an hour in the second period. I do not know what happened in the locker room but the readjustment of the coach was effective. The block was higher and the Greens managed to chain a little. They were collecting more balloons. There was more envy, more duels won and a little less technical waste. But it may also be Lyon that managed a little. “
The fact of the match: “If Diony scores first, it changes the match”
“For me, the fact of the match is the first big opportunity of the match. ASSE does not manage to control the ball and yet it is the Greens who have the first big opportunity. Honorat finds Diony in the surface. If the striker from Stéphane scores, it changes the match. The Greens could have gained confidence. I have a lot of respect for professional players but to miss the ball on this occasion … He does not have the mastery and coordination of the high level. And it is a shame because at this level the players do not have four or five head-to-head per game. “
The key player: “Saliba brings a little serenity”
“Saliba is the only one who brings a little serenity. ASSE has experienced players like M’Vila, Cabaye or Debuchy who should be more relaxed. However, it is Saliba who shows the most serenity. In depth management it is very good. He anticipates well, he cuts long balls and reads the game well. In addition, he has a good recovery. “
The opponent: “OL, a team with confidence”
“When you beat Juventus Turin four days before, you are confident. In the first half, OL had territorial and technical domination. They have had a lot of situations but have not really had any real opportunities. Afterwards, there is a real gap between the two teams. “
Plus: “Go to the final to keep the support of the supporters”
“We absolutely have to win the French Cup semi-final against Rennes. The Greens must bring the supporters to the Stade de France. I was there in 2013 for the League Cup final and it was magic. This semi-final is very important for confidence and to keep the support of the supporters. It will take a little more risk against Rennes to hope to win. It takes a win to call others and start a streak, because the Greens will have to start winning matches and keep going. “