Most certainly starting this Friday evening against Lyon in the absence of Alexsandro, Aïssa Mandi will have a new opportunity to demonstrate her good adaptation to LOSC. After starting out a step below the competition, the 33-year-old defender, recruited this summer, is gaining momentum and is already one of the leaders of the Lille group.
Aissa Mandi, already an essential piece of the locker room
Upon his arrival in Luchin at the beginning of August, Aïssa Mandi arrived with the label of boss of the Lille defense, at least in terms of experience, since the jewel Leny Yoro had left and Samuel Umtiti (30 years old) has been struggling with his body for many months now. As a symbol, it was in Reims (2-0), his training club, that he returned to the pitches of Ligue 1 eight years after his departure for Spain. And four days after a nightmarish first on an individual level, with a red card collected after coming on. Far from the dream debut, therefore.
« He was integrated very quicklynevertheless assures Bruno Genesio about the one who had “ quite a bit of a drag » by his teammates after this mishap. He is a boy who knows the French championship well, who has completely blended into the group. He has a very important influence on the group because he is a boy who has experience, who talks a lot on the pitch, who guides the younger players on the pitch. He is very respected by everyone. Every time I called on him, he responded.. »
Competition not yet tamed
Problem: after having made three starts in Ligue 1, the 33-year-old defender was benched four times in the following six matchesnotably during the feat against Real Madrid. The fault lies in a return to a four-man defense and less convincing performances than Bafodé Diakité or Alexsandro. “ He's a boy who works well. Even when he doesn't play or plays less, he remains concerned and keeps the same attitude in traininggreets Bruno Genesio. I often talk about a group and he is one of those players who, whatever his personal situation, has no qualms. Even though I know it's difficult for him when he's not playing, which is normal. »
Unless his coach allows himself a new surprise by starting Ousmane Touré, Aïssa Mandi should be there from the kick-off against OL in order to compensate for Alexsandro's suspension. And thus continue his rather convincing performance against Atlético de Madrid and give a little more thought to Bruno Genesio.
Enzo PAILOT, in Camphin-en-Pévèle
Photo credits: Anthony Bibard/FEP/Icon Sport
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