After the frustrating draw in Reims, OL were expected last week, whether in the Europa League or in Ligue 1. With two victories, the Lyonnais have perfectly taken this turn which puts them back in both competitions.
We cannot say that a pivotal week presented itself to OL. Because this is somewhat the case with each release and it will still be the case in two weeks with the arrival of Frankfurt in the Europa League and the trip to PSG in the process. However, the week which has just been held had its importance for the men of Pierre Sage. In the long marathon that awaits this Lyon team this season, the trip to Baku on Thursday then the reception in Nice on Sunday looked like a time of passage, a turn not to be missed under any circumstances. For what ? Because by letting points slip to the right and left in recent weeks, theOL had to find more comfortable positions in both competitions. The pressure was there, Alexandre Lacazette's teammates managed it in the best possible way with two victories.
Positions in the ranking closer to the objectives
Two successes with very different characteristics, but which ended with the same score 4-1. This is not necessarily what Pierre was looking for Sage when preparing for these two matches, but OL are not going to complain about it. It always feels good to take care of the goal average. More than the offensive festival, the Lyonnais were keen to repair their past mistakes. In the Europa League after the defeat against Besiktas and the draw against Hoffenheim. Also in Ligue 1 following three draws in five matches. With six points out of six possible, the contract has been fulfilled. “Before thinking about the ranking, we mainly wanted to play well and concede as few goals as possible and score, said Alexander Lacazette After OL – Nice (4-1). That's what we did this (Sunday) evening and obviously with a great victory, it allows us to move up in the rankings.”
By facing a direct competitor, the Rhone team passed the Aiglons to find the top 5 and come back one length behind Lille. In the Europa League, the victory in Baku places OL among the eight best teams in this mini-championship. Two positions much closer to what this team is aiming for in the weeks to come. “We had a meeting with our future ambition this week, confirmed Pierre Sage. It was perfect to play against them this week. We managed these two matches well, our ambition in the championship is now to consolidate this fifth place and gain ground on the others.”
Rediscovered offensive efficiency
To do this, the Lyon coach can count on an attack which is slowly starting to find its bearings. Clinton Eye highlighted “players who find themselves with their eyes closed” and it is true that more and more automatisms are emerging in this sector, reinforced by the offensive desires of Corentin Tolisso and Jordan Veretout Sunday. But logically, what is most obvious to everyone results in seeing the two scorers that are Alexandre Lacazette and George Mikautadze finally find the net. A double for the Georgian on Thursday in the Europa League, a hat-trick for the captain on Sunday against Nice.
A perfect week for the two number nines and competition which will clearly be able to take place. For the good of both players, but also of the collective. “I hope we're off to a good start. I feel that with Georges, well I hope on his side too, there is a good understanding. The one who plays is encouraged by the other, so that's good.” Pierre Sage now has to deal with a rich man's problem, but the coach is putting up with it, he who has always sought to keep his scorers confident, even during their lean period at the start of the season. “It wasn't a center forward problem, it was a game problem. Today we created even more situations and, what's more, they are in a position to finish plays well with the confidence. And I tend to think that when one performs well, the other will perform as well.
An entire group almost involved
With the sequence of two matches and the long journey which “caused a little fatigue” according to Clinton EyePierre Sage had clearly insisted on recovery. The difference is that he didn't necessarily try to turn everything upside down. Was it the importance of the week that dictated these choices? Whatever the case, the large turnover observed at Toulouse or to Hoffenheim did not take place this week. “It was criticized at one point, because it prevented us from putting together collective performances of a good level, it was criticized because the pace of those who came in and did not continue was not up to par. height of the needs of the match But over time, it makes its way.”
Almost all the players had the right to a start this week, but Sage kept a certain balance, especially in the Europa League where the usual substitutes had an opportunity to start. This balancing act bore fruit, because only Maxence He would lie down, AbnerEnzo Molebe and Saël On the bed (both absent against Nice) did not have the chance to start one of the two matches. “It’s not always easy to stay on the bench, but we all have to respond when the coach calls on us”warned Lacazette as a good captain. In this important week, all the lights were green and OL found two rankings that they were aiming for at the start of the week.
