Le Gym’s coach Olivier Pantaloni reflected on the 0-0 draw against Lorient on the opening day of Ligue 1.

Coach, given how the match played out, was this a good draw or a rather frustrating result?

It’s a fair draw. But we’re still frustrated that we didn’t manage to win our first home game, under admittedly somewhat unusual circumstances. In the first half, we perhaps had one or two opportunities to open the scoring. I think that might have given the game a different complexion. In the second half, we came up against a very deep defensive block, and we had to be very alert to avoid being caught on the counter-attack. There was one counter that could have hurt us badly.

Following on from the last three pre-season matches, you didn’t score tonight. What are you missing to be more dangerous in front of goal?

Compared with the way the last three matches were set up, tonight’s game was perhaps a little different because for a long time we had to deal with a very deep and compact defensive block. In pre-season, it was different, there was a little more space. We didn’t look dangerous enough. But we’re going to face this kind of situation from time to time. We’re going to have to be more adventurous, create more uncertainty, make more runs in behind the defence that could open up gaps, and know how to take advantage of them.

Are you expecting a new signing in that area of the pitch?

We’re eager to bring in a reinforcement. I’m waiting to see with the club’s directors whether there will be confirmation or not. For now, I’ll continue working with the squad I have available. Of course, if I get some good news, that will be great for everyone: for us on the coaching staff, for the squad, and for the club.

As you mentioned during the week, this was a special match for you…

Yes, because it’s true that I spent my last two years at Lorient. But once I’m in the dressing room, I put myself in a bubble and prepare for the match as professionally as possible. I put everything else to one side and try to communicate with my players, giving them the desire to go out and get a win. Today, when you’re in a match like this, facing people you know, you have to put aside the relationships you had and focus entirely on the game. That’s what I did throughout the match.

We saw the team trying to build from the back. Is that something you’ve been working on?

We work on it regularly. In our own six-yard box, we also try to gain an advantage over the opponent. But in open play and in our own defensive third as well, whenever possible and without taking too many risks, we try to keep possession and build from deep with the ball. I think that despite everything, even though there was a little mistake in the first half, there is an awareness and a willingness to do it, with players who understand it. After that, we perhaps need a little more time for it to become even more fluid and well-coordinated.

 

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