Olympique Lyonnais receives Manchester United on Thursday at 9 p.m., on behalf of the quarter -first leg of the Europa League. And the match is already launched out of the field. A few days ago, the goalkeeper of the Red Devils, André Onana, had been the author of provocative declarations towards OL. Indeed, the Cameroonian goalkeeper had declared that he was not afraid of the Rhone club because Manchester United “Was much better than them (OL)”. A statement that did not fail to react the Lyon supporters but also the players, like Nemanja Matic.
The Serbian did not chew his words at a press conference:
“Is it onana who said that?” I respect everyone, but when you are one of the worst goalkeepers of Manchester United, you have to be careful. If it was David de Gea, Peter Schmeichel or Edwin Van der Sar who had said that, I would ask myself questions. But when you are statistically one of the worst guards in the modern history of Manchester United … you have to perform acts before speaking. ”
The Lyonnais will be keen to win this first round against Manchester United at Groupama Stadium. The enclosure will experience an influx record as indicated by the director general of the club, Laurent Prud'homme.
Fonseca sure of his strength
The Gones coach, Paulo Fonseca, said in a press conference the importance of this match for the two teams: “We know that it will be an important match for Manchester United, but it will also be a very important match for us. Perhaps even more decisive for them, because it is their only chance to obtain a place in the European Cup. For our part, we have prepared this match as if we were going to face the best possible Manchester possible. ”
While OL will be deprived of several players, the Portuguese technician wanted to reassure by indicating that his team had prepared well:
“Tessmann will be absent for personal reasons. Without Malick and without Ernest Nuamah, it will be a little different, but we have to adapt with the available players. I am convinced that we can do well, even without them. It is true that these are fast players, who bring a lot in depth, so our game may be a little different. But we prepared this match without them, and we prepared it well. ”
