In his press conference after the final game of 2018, Patrick Vieira summed up the Aiglons’ first half of the season.

Patrick, it was a difficult evening for the Gym...

The match this evening is a good reflection of our first half of the season, where, on the whole, we have controlled technically and tactically, have had some good runs, but unfortunately, we have struggled to create chances or dangerous opportunities when we are in the final 30 metres. Defensively, I think that the two goals that we conceded were avoidable. But we still suffered athletically against a very physical side. Tactically, the players were good. In terms of determination and commitment, it’s difficult to criticise them. With an attitude as positive as ours was this evening, I am confident in the potential for this team to do great things in the league.

A word on Youcef Atal, once again your most dangerous player this evening…

Yes, he was dangerous but I thought that there was more waste in his game this evening than we are used to seeing. He is a young player who will continue to improve, because he has a very positive attitude in training. He is very important for us, with his energy, with what he brings us with his runs. His first half of the season is very good. Playing him further up the pitch? Maybe, it gives something to think about.

The first half of the season came to a close this evening…

If you look at the number of goals scored (13, the worst return in the top flight, Editor’s note), it’s pretty poor. If you look at the goals conceded (17, 3rd best defence in the league), you can see that it is solid. In terms of what we want to do in the league, we know in which areas we need to improve. We need to try to make the most of the winter transfer window to reinforce the squad. But we can’t just buy a player just for the sake of buying a player, and we need to think it through as we can’t afford to mess up. We need to have committed players, players who want to give everything for the club. We are also lacking creation when we get into the final 20-30 metres, that might be why we are struggling to put them away. So we need to carefully analyse the first half of the season and make the right choices.

If you had to deliver your appraisal?

I would say that it’s pretty encouraging. Just like this evening, we have done some very interesting things with our game, but in the danger zone, there is still a lot of work to be done.

And a personal appraisal?

Huge pleasure. I have a squad that I enjoy working with, with the good and bad things. I would like to be higher up the league (10th) but once again, the foundations that we have put in place are encouraging for the future.

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