“Bigger than I imagined”, Textor savors after experiencing his first derby

Present at Groupama Stadium this Sunday for his first derby, John Textor savored OL's victory (1-0) against Saint-Etienne. The expectations of the leader, who was experiencing his first derby, were even exceeded.

A happy owner. OL President John Textor said he experienced something “bigger than I imagined” after Les Gones' victory against Saint-Etienne (1-0) in the derby between the two rival clubs on Sunday at Groupama stadium, counting for the 11th day of Ligue 1.

At the final whistle, the American businessman joined his players on the field to commune with the supporters. “I'm very happy. It was my first derby. Bigger than I imagined. I'm very happy, the team is incredible. We could have scored more goals in the first half. Saint-Étienne s “We're well beaten, but this derby ended 1-0 for us and that's a good thing,” John Textor said.

“It was written that the 'General' was going to score”

For this meeting, John Textor wore an OL jersey, with a “Tex” print and the number 44. “The atmosphere was incredible, exceptional. The fans arrived two hours before and set the mood outside” , added the president of the Rhone club. “I had the impression of being in a war zone, in a good sense of the word with the noise, the crowd. And it was louder inside. For me, it was a sight to behold. see. The public supported the team all match.”

Majority shareholder of OL since December 2022, John Textor called for “humiliating” Saint-Etienne. “In most matches, you know that the fans behind with the ultras, behind the goals, make noise. Tonight, it was everyone. It was obviously different. Much bigger than what I expected. 'honestly expected', the leader further underlined this derby.

John Textor also appreciated seeing the only goal of the match scored by Alexandre Lacazette. “Someone told me that it was his first derby at Groupama stadium. It was written that 'the General' was going to score in this match,” said the American. “I don't know if he hit the ball with his knee, his thigh, his navel, but he knows the right part of the body to put on the ball at the right time. And it scored. So much the better.”