This Wednesday afternoon, Rayan Cherki and Pierre Sage presented themselves to the media before the match on the 6th day of the Europa League. The two men spoke just over 24 hours before the German club received the first big shock of the week.
The first match against Frankfurt started a series of two big posters, what do you think of this schedule?
We will manage the match against Frankfurt, then depending on what happens tomorrow, we will decide our approach for Paris. There is a logic of stages: we take the first one, then we will focus on the next one. Their main strength lies in their ability to project themselves quickly forward, especially after recovering the ball. They mobilize eight players in the defensive phase, while two attackers remain in the “exit” position. This organization allows them to create many opportunities. However, it can also open up spaces during transition phases, which will provide us with opportunities. »
How do you manage the management of the group?
“To get to where we are today, we had to jump through a lot of steps. We did it efficiently. Today we are at a new stage, and this match will allow us to assess where we are. Concerning the opponent’s value, I cannot comment precisely: there is always a difference between a potential value and a displayed value. However, this team is among the most competitive we have faced this season. But we have already played against the big names in our championship, so we are ready for this type of confrontation. We will face a team that is a little different from those we have already met. That said, we beat Nice, who are a very good team in our championship, with a three-goal margin. So I think we are capable of meeting this challenge. »
What do you ask the players before these matches?
“I ask the players to prepare each match with rigor and ambition, because that is the best way to approach the following ones. We will play in three different competitions. In terms of squad management, it is obvious that we can give more playing time to certain players if necessary. However, if this is not necessary, we will not use this option. »
Do you see any improvement in the team?
“Building a team game takes time. Today, it is difficult to precisely assess where we are in relation to our final objectives. On the other hand, we can measure our progress against our starting point. We have made progress, but it remains a long-term task. Performing well over 5 or 10 matches is within the reach of many teams. But the great teams remain successful over 40 games and several seasons. We have worked a lot on transitions, and I think we still have room for improvement on positional defense. Although improvements are visible, there remains room for improvement. »
Do you think that Rayan Cherki has become OL’s X factor?
“Rayan knew how to link his talent to his objectives and the perspectives he wanted to give himself. As long as he was not aware of this path, it was complicated to climb it. It is a long journey, which depends on its ability to last over time. There was an awareness on his part, and as staff, we decided to support him in this process. I think that Rayan has always listened, but it is mainly in the implementation and over time that there were gaps. Today, he takes advantage of the good feedback and encouragement, which pushes him to put his talent up to what he should have displayed a long time ago. »
Do you find that Rayan has changed over the past several weeks?
“When Rayan Cherki extended his contract and fully invested in our season, we entered into “project” mode with him. The goal is to help him become the player he can be. This work had already begun last year, but the events of the summer did not allow it to be transformed. We work individually with him, but we also ask him to play an active role: to be the captain of his own development. »
Rayan Cherki’s turn
Can’t wait to start this big week?
“It’s a great week ahead of us. We started well in Angers, but we are fully focused on tomorrow’s match. We know that Frankfurt is in good shape. It’s going to be a great match, we’re going to give our all, and only afterwards will we think about Paris. »
How to explain your start to the season?
“I haven’t changed much. I have always been a player who loves football and work. I simply found the man and the footballer I wanted to be, and that’s what makes the difference. You can feel it in every match. I give my best for the team and I try to please my teammates and the spectators. I want to have fun on the pitch, to give pleasure to others and to bring back a bit of football from before. The more you play, the better you feel, and the more you create automatisms with your teammates. This allows you to maintain a regular level. I’m here to give the maximum in the playing time I’m given. My goal is to be the best every time I’m on the field. I watch my matches a lot, this allows me to identify points where I can improve and find ways to annoy the opponent. In training we work a lot on these aspects. »
What matters most when you’re on the pitch?
“I am someone who wants to give pleasure, who tries to achieve great things with the ball while remaining efficient. I like to dribble and play with joy. I have had many idols, but the one who inspires me the most is Cristiano Ronaldo. His longevity is exemplary, and it is from him that we must take an example. »
What does the European Cup mean to you?
“I had the chance to play in a Champions League semi-final, but I want to experience exceptional things with OL. My dream is to win a title here and to experience great epics in all competitions. »
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