Lorient – Paris: “two teams that are almost exactly the same,” according to consultant and former player Robert Malm

In your opinion, what are the strengths and weaknesses of the two teams?

I started preparing for the match. The two teams look almost exactly the same. They are almost twin sisters. We take the numbers, there is quality everywhere. With goalkeepers Mvogo or Nkambadio on the other side, passing in the middle through Abergel or Maxime Lopez and in front with Kroupi Junior and Jean-Philippe Krasso. We have boys who have quality, who are decisive elements for their team. I would perhaps say a slight advantage for Lorient because they are boys who, for the most part, have spent several seasons in Ligue 1. But for me, they are two equal squads. Honestly, if I were coach of one of the two teams, I would be so happy to have such a complete, rich squad.

We have the feeling that this is what could make the difference in the long run. That they almost have two or three teams who could play for promotion to Ligue 1.

Exactly. So, the workforce was already bloated in Lorient, but Paris FC built it. He built this bench depth that he didn’t have last season, nor in previous years. Which means that this year, we have Gori, we have Krasso, we have Dicko.

They are the two big favorites, but they have not yet created a gap in the rankings.

It doesn’t surprise me because we still have some great teams in this championship. We know that it is a championship that is difficult and homogeneous. To be able to widen the gap, you almost have to go flawless. But for Lorient, being there with so many points after the turbulent summer, regarding starts and non-starts, the task was not made easy for Olivier Pantaloni. For me, his success is on the field, but especially off the field. We had to digest the descent, restore confidence to the players, start a new cycle. It was important to re-mobilize the troops psychologically to be able to get this team going again.