[N3] Vincent Carlier: “A group that needs to have more values ​​and mental virtues”

After such a summer preparation, we surely did not expect to say that Lens B is still waiting for its first points in the championship at the end of August. But after two days of championship, the Artésiens have two defeats: a first during the opening in Saint-Quentin, after leading 2-0 at half-time, and a second conceded this afternoon in the derby against Lillois.

The management of the score and emotions is lacking for Vincent Carlier’s flock at the moment. If the Artésiens are far from having been off topic this afternoon at François-Blin, it must be recognized that a good dose of aggressiveness was missing to obtain a better result.

Lensois.com: Vincent Carlier, does this defeat today seem logical to you?
It’s hard to swallow, but it’s not illogical. Let’s say that it was a fairly balanced match. But even by conceding the second goal just after the break, we still had time to come back. We lacked a lot of energy. I saw attitudes that I didn’t like. A lack of energy during a derby… there must be an extra soul much greater than what I saw there. In the end, yes, if we are not capable of putting that in, we don’t deserve to equalize.

However, the start is good on the Lens side?
That’s what I told them at half-time, the content was coherent, but not enough. There are things that we do well, that we master, that we do every day, but then we need something else. There are other elements to put in place, and we missed that.

The second goal, it was again against the run of play and it hurt a lot…
I have to watch it again. It was a technical error, a bad choice. The second goal, I accept it, it was a risk. I ask them to take it. Of course, we have to measure it, but okay, we conceded a goal. What bothers me is what happened afterwards.

How can we explain this kind of demobilization?
I don’t know. At the beginning of the week (in training), I wasn’t satisfied with the energy there was. Now, it’s a group that needs to have more values ​​and mental virtues. It’s a group that is perhaps technically ahead compared to recent years, but behind in that respect.

After two defeats, should we be worried?
No worries, no. But on the other hand, we have to question the way the players take charge, every day. And have the determination it takes to win a N3 match. Especially here, today, against a good Lille team. We have to be aware of the shortcomings we have.