Invited on the occasion of the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of LOSC, Rudi Garcia expressed his pleasure at participating in such an event. Above all, the coach of the double in 2011 is very optimistic about the 2024/2025 vintage led by Bruno Genesio for whom he has deep respect. Interview.
Bruno Genesio spoke about you in the pre-match conference as a key figure at the club. Do you have this feeling?
He’s definitely this Bruno (laughs). Bruno is a very good coach, who does an excellent job at LOSC. They have not only had excellent results in the Champions League, they are also there in the championship. Today's match is important because it comes before a Champions League match in Bologna in three days. I'm not surprised by Bruno, who did a very good job wherever he went. I’m happy to see him at “my place” and to see him doing a good job.
Among the players playing in Lille today, do you recognize any profiles from your era?
There is a nice balance in this LOSC 2024/2025. I have a weakness for Benjamin André, he's a balancer. They also have a very, very high level goalkeeper, who will do and who is already having a very good career. There is power behind it, talent ahead. Edon Zhegrova is a nice player to watch, a dribbler. It's a complete team, with young people who work very well. It's a well-built, complete, well-balanced team that will do great things this season.
Who are the notable figures of LOSC’s 80th anniversary? Do you think you're part of it?
I don't know. In any case, it's a real pleasure to be there. I congratulate Olivier Létang for building on what he has done in the past. Everywhere I arrive, whether in France or abroad, I know that I coach thanks to the coaches, to the players who were there before me, thanks to the presidents who have been there. The memory of a club is to celebrate its alumni. This allows you to see people who were there a while ago. I had programmed myself by telling myself that I had to recognize the people I worked with 40 years ago, when I was a player here between 1982 and 1988. I recognized them, that means that they haven't aged too much (smile). Since Olivier (Létang) has been here, he has not forgotten the elders.
Comments collected by Enzo PAILOT
Photo credits: Dave Winter/Icon Sport
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