Yacine, can we take stock of this first part of the season?
The results are mixed. We would have liked to do better, especially in certain matches where we should have gone for more points. There is a real frustration at not having realized certain opportunities. But we are working with a group that is progressing, and we will continue in this direction to gain strength in the second part of the season.
You arrived at LOSC last July to take charge of the women’s team. After a few months here, what are your feelings?
I found a structured and ambitious club, with values that speak to me. I also discovered a group of committed players. The adaptation went well, and I feel fully integrated into this project. Lille is a beautiful football city, and you can feel it every day.
You recovered a team traumatized by a descent into the second division at the end of the 2023-2024 season and your primary objective was to give the girls back the desire and allow them to find pleasure on the pitch again. Objective achieved?
It’s on track, but we remain focused on results. They are the ones who will allow us to have even more pleasure. If the outcome of the season is favorable and we achieve our objectives, then we can say that we have really succeeded in restoring this collective pleasure.
What are the objectives now for the rest of the season?
The main objective remains the return to the first division. It’s an ambitious challenge, but I believe in this group. At the same time, we want to go as far as possible in the Coupe de France and continue to progress individually and collectively.
What was the program for your protégés during the truce?
We had a break accompanied by an individual program for the players. The important thing was to cut physically and mentally, to allow each to regenerate. Then, they gradually resumed activity before we resumed collectively on January 2.
Return to competition in a few hours with the reception of the EAG as part of the round of 16 of the Coupe de France Féminine. What match are you expecting?
We expect a difficult match. Guingamp is a solid team, used to playing high-level matches. It will be a real test for us, and we will have to be 100% in all areas.
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What will be the keys to this meeting?
Control of the ball, efficiency in both surfaces, and above all intensity. If we manage to remain compact defensively and structure offensively, we will be able to cause them problems.
This weekend you will not have a match following the demotion of the Girondins de Bordeaux. What will be the schedule for your team?
Even without a match on the weekend, we will continue to train to work physically and refine certain tactical aspects. This will be an opportunity to keep the pace while preparing for the next deadlines.
A word about Claire Lelarge who returned to the field last week. This is very good news, we imagine?
Claire went through an incredibly difficult ordeal with great courage. Seeing her back on the pitch is a huge joy for the whole group. She fought with exemplary strength and determination, and she is a fighter in every sense of the word. His return is not only excellent news for the team, but also a message of hope: it shows us that we should never give up. We are very happy to have her back.
LOSC-EAG – Round of 16 of the French Women’s Cup
Wednesday January 15, 2025 – 2:30 p.m.
Stadium Villeneuve d’Ascq – Field Annex 1
