In his press conference, the Aiglons’ coach recognised that the Aiglons fell to defeat against a stronger opponent on the night. 

Patrick, what can you say about the game this evening?

We came up against a much stronger side than us, and we didn’t have the ingredients to make them doubt themselves this evening. We were punished by a team that was clearly better than us. Lille have too much pace and individual quality. We let them attack on the counter through our lack of aggression. In behind us, they were very quick. 

Were you angry?

Angry, no. We tried to play the game that we needed to, to put in place what we worked on during the week, but Lille were stronger than us, even if we will still have some regrets because of our lack of agression. We were too passive. It cost us dearly. 

“Pierre’s red card is beyond understanding”

On top of that, you won’t be able to use Pierre Lees-Melou in the next match after his sending off…

The result is one thing. This red card, I find it… (he searches for his words) beyond understanding. The referee was two metres away, he saw in real time that there was no agression in Pierre’s movement. He goes away to look at his screen and comes back to give a red, it’s beyond understanding. In-com-pre-hen-si-ble Really. It’s a card that I can’t understand.

You said during the week that the matches against Lille (2nd) and Lyon (3rd) will allow you to measure your ambitions. With the score this evening, are you worried?

No, we have always been aware of our strengths and weaknesses. In this evening’s match, we saw one side with the means to qualify for the Champions League and another who will try to battle to finish as high as possible. In terms of quality, there is a huge difference between Lille and us. 

You met with the new President, Gauthier Ganaye, before the game. What did you discuss?

We didn’t go into detail, we just introduced ourselves. I don’t need to be reassured. I have no reason not to be confident. The transfer window? I am happy with my squad, we have done very well in the last few months. This evening, we came up against a stronger side than us. We accept the defeat, we will analyse what didn’t work tonight, we weren’t at the races, that’s the way it is. We will need to continue to work and think about the next match.

Lots of individuals from your team weren’t at their best…

Yes, but that’s normal. When as a team isn’t right, behind that individually you also struggle. We didn’t have that someone to make the difference. Our strength is our togetherness as a team and this evening, we weren’t good in that area.

Tactically, we made some huge mistakes which allowed them to put their style in place and to hit on the counter. We knew that this team was dangerous on the counter, we put ourselves in danger by losing the ball in their half, and it took us too long to react. We were made to pay for it.

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