Tonin: “Kondogbia will become a very strong central defender”

In the columns of La Provence, Geoffrey Kondogbia's former trainer, Jean-Carl Tonin, spoke about his replacement in central defense.

Once again used in central defense at La Beaujoire on Sunday evening, Geoffrey Kondogbia was far from convincing. However, his former trainer, Jean-Carl Tonin, remains optimistic about his ability to perform well in this position.

« I am very pleased that he is repositioned in central defense; time moving forward, this was what had been waiting for him for a while already. He was to end his career as a central defender where he brings his serenity, his technical background, his experience, his reading of the game and his leadership. When he has learned this position and assimilated the automatisms, he will become a very strong central defender, although he has never occupied this role with the exception of a few matches with Atlético de Madrid. During his training in Lens, he was recruited as a 6, but he already had all the qualities to play at the back. In an organization with three defenders, I liked him a lot, he could provide numerical superiority because he broke the lines with his left foot. This is a very, very good idea from Roberto De Zerbi. I would have done it several years ago to establish my team and create balance“, he explained to Provence.

Time will perhaps prove Roberto De Zerbi right, but this choice also prevents Lilian Brassier from continuing her integration into her preferred position. The Italian coach will have to decide.