Olympique Lyonnais approaches the Strasbourg reception this Saturday with a positive atmosphere after its victory Thursday evening in the Europa Conference League against Basel. However, a question has been tormenting observers since the start of the season: despite often attractive play, why does the team sometimes struggle to finish? Asked about this subject at a press conference this Friday, coach Paulo Fonseca offered a completely frank response, not hesitating to compare his current group with that of previous years, and to assume a new identity for his team.
The end of individualities: Fonseca takes on his new project
For the Portuguese coach, the explanation is simple. “ Today, we are dependent on the collective, not on individuals,” he said. He then dared to make a direct comparison with the recent past, citing the names of the stars who left last summer: “ In recent years, when we had difficulties, we had Cherki, Almada, Lacazette, Mikautadze, who could score. » He bluntly admits that the current team “does not have the same individual quality” to unblock situations with a simple exploit.
“Collectively stronger”: OL’s new identity
But this observation is not a regret for Fonseca, quite the contrary. He sees this change as a positive development. If individual quality is lower, he insists on a crucial point: “ Collectively I think we are stronger.
I feel a great collective strength. » This is the heart of his project: building a real team, a united and coherent bloc, even if it means “creating more to score more”. He prefers the strength of the group to dependence on a few talents.
Support for Satriano and caution before the shock
This “collective first” philosophy is reflected in its management. Asked about his striker Martín Satriano's difficulties in finding the net, Fonseca showed unwavering support, praising his work for the team: “ He works a lot for the team (…) I am happy with him. Goals come naturally when a player works the way he works. » Effort for the group takes precedence over personal statistics. A solidarity that will be necessary against Strasbourg, a team that Fonseca describes as “one of the strongest in the championship”, which has “made the biggest investments this summer” and which will be “difficult” to play.
A clear project, an assumed ambition
In conclusion, Paulo Fonseca’s “cash” exit is a real manifesto. He admits to having turned the page on brilliant individuals like Lacazette or Cherki to build a team with a stronger collective identity. If this explains the current difficulties in finishing, it is a choice that he claims, convinced that the strength of the group will, in the long term, be more profitable. This clear and bold speech has the merit of defining a precise roadmap for OL this season: success will come through “all together”, or it will not.
