This Thursday noon, Pierre Sage and Rémy Descamps appeared in front of the media before the 32nd final of the Coupe de France to come this Saturday evening at 6 p.m. against the Entente Feignies-Aulnoyes.
How do you view this match and your status?
“As a higher level club, we have a duty to beat a lower level club and qualify. That's respect for football and the opponent. We are determined to play this competition seriously, in line with our objective of winning it, while managing our squad. The players know that we want to perform well in all three competitions. I am vigilant about everything that happens before the match and I will also be vigilant during it, because it will influence the choices for the future. For me, starting again with the Coupe de France in January is always easier, but it doesn't matter when: we will adapt. »
Will the team rotate, particularly at the goalkeeper position?
“The idea is to give everyone perspectives to overcome any eventuality. The replacement goalie must be ready to play. He deserves to have playing time. With the number of games coming up, we have to be able to respond to all scenarios. »
Who are the players available?
“Georges Mikautadze is ill, while some players, like Nicolas Tagliafico and Nemanja Matic, are following a modified program this week. Enzo Molebe is absent for personal reasons, and Duje Ćaleta-Car will be suspended for this match. Nicolas Tagliafico will not participate either, but the other 22 players are available. »
After the match, how will the vacation take place?
“Our nutritionist set weight goals for the players. They must be aware of their actions and their consequences. They need to spend time with family, but also to take care of their bodies. They will be checked, but this is above all common sense, in my opinion. »
A word on the transfer window and the future arrival of Thiago Almada?
“We currently have 24 outfield players. I will be very vigilant, because joining the group will no longer be seen as a simple reward. The transfer window is conditioned by the decisions of the DNCG. This is not a period of development, but of balancing. If we cannot recruit externally to meet our needs, we will have to perform well internally. The transfer window is often punctuated by movements at the end of the period, which can either strengthen the team or weaken it.
For Thiago Almada, I think he expressed a wish more than official information. I'm waiting for confirmations. Thiago Almada has qualities similar to those of Rayan Cherki or Saïd Benrahma. He could bring an interesting technical touch to our game, which would be good news. »
Rémy Descamps’ turn
Are you going to play this match?
“Yes and I’m ready. I'm happy to be able to play this Coupe de France match on Saturday and show what I'm capable of. It's a competition that I love and appreciate a lot. I will do everything to have a good match and for the team to go as far as possible in this competition. This will require showing character and aggression. But this will also require an impeccable state of mind. On paper, we are well ahead, but it is through our mental qualities that we will make the difference. We are professionals and we are committed to winning this match to go on vacation with peace of mind. The goal is to have good matches and leave the field with a light heart. It is essential to prepare for this match with the same seriousness as a Ligue 1 match. We must show that we are a Ligue 1 team and that our objective is to progress through this round. »
Is the relationship healthy between the guards?
“In Nantes, it was a special situation because of the history I had with Alban. Today, I am very happy in Lyon. We work well together, and everyone is focused on performance. Even in training we play to win. Finding that little extra “trick” in training is crucial, because it then translates into matches. We need that constant competitiveness, whether it's in small games or finishing sessions. This is our main objective. »
Are you afraid of lacking rhythm?
“We train daily and spend a lot of time together. Admittedly, I don't play matches regularly and I perhaps lack a bit of “match cues”. But I have benchmarks with my teammates. It may take some adjustments during the warm-up, but I feel good and ready. »
View the creator's imprintShare this article
