After his side’s qualification for the quarter finals of the Coupe de la Ligue, the Aiglons coach spoke to the press at the Stade Pierre Mauroy. 

On the analysis of the match…

“Qualification is not underserved based on the whole of the match. Even though we conceded an avoidable goal too quickly in the first half. We faced some counters a bit naively, losing the ball which are presents for the opponent. We lacked rhythm, it’s true that we are playing one match after the other. In the second half, we played better, we lifted the rhythm, the passing, the interceptions, the acceleration with the ball at our feet. It wasn’t extraordinary, but it was better. And we had a lot of possession, I think we had something like 75% of the ball in the second half, but I would have liked us to be a bit more productive, be it more probing or creating more opportunities for ourselves. We wanted to avoid penalties, because it’s a lottery, anything can happen, even though we were on top in the game. But in the end, qualification is the only thing that counts.”

On Yoan Cardinale’s performance…

“It was magnificent. It was mainly during the penalty shootout that he was decisive, stopping two of them. And he almost got to the third. It’s important for him, but also and above all, for the team. The spirit that he has, that’s the most important thing.”

On the withdrawal of Maxime Le Marchand at the break…

“He felt a pain in his thigh, we didn’t take any chances and we brought on Patrick Burner.”

On the draw for the quarter finals…

“It will not be easy. But we are happy to be playing at home.”

On the fact that he will be involved in 4 competitions in 2018...

“Long-term, it will be impossible. You would have to have two complete sides. I think we will have played 18 games in 8 and a half weeks if we qualify for the other one. We are pros, but after a while, there are no miracles. We won’t complain that we have qualified, it’s our job, but with that you need to accept the responsibility.”

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