Frédéric Piquionne, former striker for AS St-Etienne and Olympique Lyonnais, gave his impressions at the end of this 125th Derby won by OL 1 goal to zero on the L'Equipe channel. While he left ASSE angry with the supporters, his heart beats more for the Green than the Rouge et Bleu… Excerpts.
Frédéric Piquionne: “I played in Sainté and in Lyon, but my heart was always green for this derby. I have extraordinary memories of my first derby in the Chaudron. Lyon's victory was not deserved. I saw an OL unrecognizable. For their part, the Stéphanois totally dominated the start of each half, despite a few adverse situations. I would have liked to see at least a small goal from Stéphanois. equalization.
On the offensive level, the Greens can still progress. They won all three of their victories at home. The maintenance will be played at home. With the transfer window coming up, they have an owner capable of investing and looking for reinforcements. Sissoko didn't manage to equalize, but he's a good player. Davitashvili was the best offensively.”
F. Piquionne: “In the Cauldron, the noise is twice as intense!”
“Textor says he was surprised by the atmosphere? He will be even more surprised in the return match… In the Cauldron, the noise is twice as intense! As for his pre-match statements, where he said he wanted to humiliate the Greens, it didn't shock me. It's American culture. I played in the United States, I know how people talk during the derbies between Portland and Seattle. permanent, even between presidents. It doesn't bother me. The most important thing is what happens on the pitch.
The announcement of the end of his career by Bafé? I knew him when he was leaving the training center, when I arrived in Sainté. He was the one who replaced me. Bafé is like a little brother to me. We've known each other for 20 years, since 2004. He has remained the same, with great kindness. He progressed over the years to become the striker and international that he was. Bafé has made his football shine everywhere: in England, in Asia… It's beautiful to see his journey. He was an exceptional player, but he is also a remarkable father and man. Bravo for everything he has accomplished in his magnificent career. At the start, there was nothing to say that he would go this far. But with work, self-sacrifice and courage, this is the result!”
