The international break is over, RC Lens will return to competition on Saturday at Bollaert against OM (12th day of Ligue 1, 5 p.m., to follow live on Lensois.com and broadcast in full on BeIN Sports). Will Still gives his look at the preparation of the Sang et Or before this big meeting.
Lensois.com: Will Still, how did the international break go?
It was exactly like the previous truces. There were positive results upon exit, so we stayed on the same scenario, except that the internationals returned later. We had young people with us, we also opposed the N3. We did a lot of things.
How can we most effectively reintegrate the likes of Jhoanner Chavez and Facundo Medina, who are only just returning from South America, so that they can be at their best on Saturday?
They already have to sleep and rest once they return to the club. They must be given the necessary rest before they can train. Then you try to speed up the pre-match process, show them the videos they didn't get to see. Is this ideal, no, but it is the case in all clubs in which there are internationals. I am happy and proud for Fac' that he was able to join his selection (editor's note: the Argentinian was called up at the last minute).
A 4-man defense? “It’s a possibility”
With Jonathan Gradit and Abdukodir Khusanov suspended, are you considering a move to a 4-man defense, in a pattern that also allowed you to overthrow Nantes? Does Malang Sarr seem fully operational to you despite his meager playing time?
Malang is great, in Paris he did 25-30 really good minutes. There is no questioning his ability to play. Afterwards, we saw in the last third of the match against Nantes that we are capable of changing and offering something else. I'm not going to give a clear answer but it's a possibility. We overturned a really complicated match and it's an extra option. This gives other weapons to use.
How do you view the OM reception, always a highlight of the season?
They have won 7 of their last 8 away matches and are scoring a lot of goals. On the outside, it's very sturdy. We will have to be very good, try to put them in difficulty while respecting their state of form. There is a set-up that is tactically super clean and super precise. It will be a real good test, a challenge physically, technically and tactically. On the outside, it's more than tough.
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