.
The statement: “We want to be positioned after the truce”
Tell me you’re aiming for Europe without saying you’re aiming for Europe. It’s a bit the leitmotif of the teams already saved at the end of the season: It’s too early to openly reveal their ambitions. Jocelyn Gourvennec does not cut it. “What we want after the international break, there are nine games left, is to be positioned up there, after that it will be a fight until the end.” Before that, LOSC receives Clermont, Saint-Etienne and goes to Nantes. The coach’s message is simple: you have to win.
Player to watch: Jonathan David
The former top scorer in Ligue 1 did not score in 2022. Just like the other Lille scorer: Burak Yilmaz. Both scored the last time in Bordeaux, on December 22.
For the coach, Jocelyn Gourvennec, there is nothing to worry about. “Jonathan works well in training. You have to break free, it must not become a burden. Offensives who have periods like that, it happens. David doesn’t ask questions, he knows it will come back.”
The stat: Three clean sheets… series to continue
It’s been three games in Ligue 1 that LOSC hasn’t conceded a single goal. It had never happened this season, far from it… In the league, the Mastiffs had never played two games in a row without conceding a goal. This series corresponds with the replacement of Ivo Grbic by Léo Jardim as number 1 goalkeeper. This follows the ordeal experienced by the Croatian against Paris (two huge balls for five goals conceded). “This defensive solidity must be cultivated”, obviously assures Jocelyn Gourvennec. But will it be with Jardim? He sprained his ankle in Lyon, “he has good feelings”, but the Lille staff hope he can play this Sunday.
The composition of France Bleu Nord:
Jardim – Djalo Botman, Fonte, Celik – Gudmundsson, André, Sanches, Bamba – David, Ben Arfa