No one happy, happy man. After the match (1-1) without flavor delivered by the club of the capital this Sunday, January 9 in Lyon, Mauricio Pochettino insists on the positive elements, such as the contribution of the entrants, with a goal from Thilo Kehrer and the recklessness of the Titis, Xavi Simons and Edouard Michut. The coach spoke at a press conference at Groupama Stadium following the game.
Is it your changes that transformed the match and allowed this draw?
MAURICIO POCHETTINO. When we change, we look for freshness. After 70 minutes, the entries of Thilo Kehrer, Xavi Simons and Edouard Michut brought energy and enthusiasm. They were in the equalizer and they carried the team so I’m happy.
Can we draw a balance sheet with so many absentees, especially because of the Covid?
We can analyze. We have to talk regarding reality, not regarding what might have happened.
How to explain your first 70 laborious minutes? And the lackluster performance of Georginio Wijnaldum, whom you regularly change jobs?
We struggled with the flow of the ball, which was made worse by the first goal that came quickly. Lyon saw their game plan favored, being able to play low, closing the pass lines. As for Wijnaldum, it is not a question of positioning but of state of form. He has a huge experience in football and he can adapt to different positions.
Do you have the feeling to see your team progressing?
I don’t know what the question refers to. If we talk regarding progression, we are talking regarding a stable state. However, we live in an unstable situation which forces us to adapt. Progress is a subjective notion, not an objective one.
Who is the real sentinel of PSG, Marco Verratti or Leandro Paredes, who alternated in this place during the game?
There are several parameters, such as the situation of the team, the availability of the players and the game plan in relation to the opponent. We asked ourselves the question before the match. There, Marco Verratti was one of the best, he played left midfielder, then higher before finishing sentry. We look for different things in the same match.
