John Textor’s incredible show

For years, Jean-Michel Aulas vibrated to the rhythm of the numerous clashes between Olympique Lyonnais and AS Saint-Etienne. Something that John Textor, who took his place as president of the club, had not yet had the opportunity to experience. The American businessman had already had a little taste last year when he attended the clash between the Lyonnais and the Stéphanois among the U17s. But it was nothing compared to the 125th derby among professionals this Sunday evening in a Groupama Stadium which welcomed 58,082 spectators. A record for a derby.

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Textor was in heaven

And the Eagle Football boss didn’t hesitate to put on a show after the final whistle. OL jersey flocked with No. 44 and the name “Tex” on the back, he passed in front of the journalists in the mixed zone, letting out a “let’s go” for the cameras before joining the field to celebrate the 1-0 victory with his team and the supporters. He also posed with everyone in front of the north turn. Then, Textor presented himself again facing to the press in the mixed zone The opportunity to return to his first derby, after specifying that he would not speak in French.

“Very happy, yes. It was my first derby. It was bigger than I imagined. I’m very happy and the team is amazing. We could have scored more goals in the first half. Saint-Étienne fought well, but this derby ended 1-0 for us and that’s a good thing.” Then, he talked about the atmosphere in the stadium. And the American was simply amazed. “It was incredible. She was exceptional. The fans arrived two hours before and set the mood outside. I had the impression, I don’t know, of being in a war zone, in a good sense of the word.

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The American was amazed

He continues: “the noise, the crowd. And it was stronger inside. And it was non-stop. For me, it was a sight to behold. I know the crowd supported the team throughout the match (…) You know, most matches you come and you know that the supporters behind the goals, with the ultras, are making noise. Tonight, it was everyone. It was obviously different. Much bigger than I honestly expected.” And it takes a lot to impress the owner of Botafogo and Molenbeek.

Finally, he had a few words for his scorer Alexandre Lacazette, who was happy to play a derby again (see video). “Yes, someone told me that it was his first derby at Parc OL. It’s true ? Yes ? The General, you know, it was written that he was going to score in this match. I don’t know if he hit it from the knee, from the thigh, from the belly button, but, you know, he knows the right body part to put on the ball at the right time. And it was a goal, so much the better.” Indeed, so much the better for OL, who won the 125th derby. Perhaps the first of many for John Textor…