Sunday evening left a bitter taste. Facing opportunistic Gunners, the Lyonnaises conceded two avoidable goals, the result of defensive disagreements. However, there is no question for Jonatan Giraldez of pointing the finger at his players. In a mastered communication exercise, the Spanish coach immediately took on the role of shield in front of the media: “We win together and we lose together. I take responsibility, as always.” If the Lyonnaises showed good sequences during the first period, the dynamic was reversed after the break. “In the first half, we were slightly better. But overall, the defensive dynamic was not good,” analyzed the Lyon technician. Between “bizarre goals” conceded and a lack of realism, symbolized by Kadidiatou Diani’s crossbar, OL let control of the game slip. Giraldez admits that his team was unable to maintain its level of demands over time: “Today we weren’t good for the 90 minutes. That’s the main point we need to improve.”
Heading for the return match
Despite this unfavorable result, nothing is yet lost. The objective now is to switch to a cold tactical analysis to prepare for the trip to London next week. “I don’t want to complain. I have to stay positive to help the players improve their performance,” he insisted. With just one goal difference, qualification remains within reach, but the Lyonnaises will have to find the solidity that gives them their strength to hope to turn things around. By refusing to blame his executives after these “cap goals”, the tactician is banking on the solidarity of his locker room to create the feat in the return match.
To summarize
A setback for Olympique Lyonnais. Beaten by Arsenal (2-1) in the semi-final first leg of the Women’s Champions League, the Fenottes found their backs against the wall. Despite significant individual errors, coach Jonatan Giraldez chose to protect his group at a press conference.
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