Jocelyn Gourvennec, LOSC coach after qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League: “A very important moment”

“Did you hit the perfect shot tonight in Wolfsburg?”
It is true that the scenario was perfect compared to what we had planned. Whether it’s the planned changes at the right times and that ability to squeeze, score and put pressure on them. We knew that if we scored they were going to be feverish and that’s what happened. There were a lot of blocks against us but these were all random situations. We have been surgical. One of the leitmotifs of the day was to keep our emotional control, not to leave the match, to ignore the refereeing. We stayed focused. The collective performance was major.

What made the difference between the first leg at 2 points and the return phase at 9 pts?
We are not out of our six-game plan. Whatever the very negative comments at the start of the competition. We started with a point in our first game (reception from Wolfsburg, 0-0) with a goal (unfairly?) Refused. We lose our fault in Salzburg. The 0-0 against Sevilla at home is a very good game from us against a very strong team. We went from 4th, to 3rd place, then second and 1st. The trigger is our victory in Seville, where it is very difficult to win. Starting from the fact that we had achieved it, we knew that we could go to the end. We responded against Salzburg at home. Like this evening with a lot of composure and maturity.

“Since July 5, I don’t listen to anything, I don’t read anything, I’m in my bubble. I do my job with conviction. It takes shape with the staff. “

Is this a particular pride for you?
Yes, because it is also the first time that LOSC has finished first in the group. It’s historic. After the Champions Trophy, the players manage to mark the club’s history a little more. It was the lever, the spring to energize them. It is a very important moment. We are proud of that. Offer it to our public, to all club employees who have been following the team for a very long time …. We will play the second leg of the round of 16 at home. Whatever the draw (Monday), this operation will mark the history of our club.

Personally, is it revenge?
We are always criticized when we are a coach. Everyone has an opinion. You have to respect that. But since July 5, I don’t listen to anything, I don’t read anything, I’m in my bubble. I do my job with conviction. It takes shape with the staff. If we can allow Lille to progress, we are there. I am happy for this club. I will continue to do my job by fighting every day. I said when I arrived that I came from a region where we know the values ​​of combat. And that I arrived in a region that knows them just as much. I want to keep moving up the rankings. We are on the right track. You have to keep humility and a lot of determination. In general, we did honor to L1 and the title of champion of France. And to this great competition that is C1. We won’t be taken away from us.

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Lille scored 3 goals in a Champions League away game for the first time in its history in 22 matches in the competition. Opta.

You don’t have time to savor. But what can this success change in people’s minds?
These performances and these series in Seville, in Rennes, even our performances in Paris, in Monaco, which were not followed by expected results, must give to the players. When you’re pro and in a locker room, you cultivate this feeling of self-esteem. It often makes the difference afterwards. The group is in it today. If we all manage to mobilize, with work, and by keeping this confidence without falling into complacency, we will do great things. Already to go back to an area more consistent with what is the LOSC. Finally, I also wanted to wink at my mama who grew up in Germany not far from here. It was my brother’s birthday today. Personally, I am very proud for my family. “

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