The great work of Olivier Pantaloni’s staff
“The mission was not accomplished last season. So, we had to roll up our sleeves and go back into battle. It’s not so easy in Ligue 2, it’s true, but, for the moment, they are taking the right path. And it is on this level that the work of Olivier Pantaloni is remarkable,” assured Robert Malm, before the shock won against Paris FC (2-0). It’s hard not to go in the direction of the beIN Sports consultant. The unique transfer window was certainly grueling for the players, many of whom would have liked to return to a Ligue 1 club, as well as for the staff, awaiting certainty on the contours of a squad inevitably psychologically impacted by the descent and its scenario.
“And that, we have to digest it, erase it from people’s minds, restore confidence to the players by starting a new cycle,” added the former striker for Stade Brestois, Stade Briochin and FC Lorient (in particular).
An immaculate home course
Not always free from reproach during their away matches, like the draw against Rodez after leading 3-1, the Lorientais built their good start to the season through their performances at home. And at Moustoir, they released a collective power worthy of a champion by being able to come back after being led by Dunkirk (4-2) or Annecy (4-2). In the end, they delivered an immaculate copy allowing them to collect 24 of their current 33 points.
A 4-1-4-1 that looks like a click
Among the turning points at the start of the season is the transition from 4-4-2 to a 4-1-4-1 since the reception of Guingamp (3-1). This clearly offered valuable stability to FC Lorient. “It also solidified us,” noted captain Laurent Abergel. Even in transition, we have the impression that we are less exposed, less at the mercy of counter-attacks. This frees us in our offensives. I have the impression that this device was a trigger at the start of the season and that it can take us on a journey. »
These different elements contributed to a palpable increase in power in the game, even in the results since FC Lorient had conceded two losses during the first five days and it remains today, since the tactical reorganization (following the defeat 2-1 in Clermont), on ten points taken in four matches. And if the Merlus had already achieved a better series (13 points out of 15 between the 7th and 11th day), they seemed to display neither the same guarantees in the game, nor the serenity that they now exude. With their workforce worthy of a Ligue 1 – all positions are at least doubled -, the Merlus now seem perfectly armed and on the rails of a return to Ligue 1. It remains to be confirmed on the field during the last 18 days. Starting with the trip on January 4 to Laval which displays the best momentum in L2… just ahead of Lorient.
Senegal
