"If there's one to win, it's next Sunday." This is the speech held by PSG in the corridors of the Stade de la Source d'Orléans on Saturday after the defeat in the final of the Coupe de France against OL (2-1). A way to be positive despite the loss of a trophy won last year and to refocus the concentration of the squad for the last achievable goal this season: the title of champion of France, which would be the second in three seasons. It will be necessary to win against Lyon at the Parc des Princes on Sunday (21 pm, Canal +).
The question is: how? Without his two best strikers, for many months for Marie Katoto, for many weeks for Kadidiatou Diani, Gérard Prêcheur lacks offensive solutions. On Saturday, Denmark's Amalie Vangsgaard, the starting line-up, lasted only half an hour, failing to respond tactically to the demands of the staff. To the point of seeing Laurina Fazer, midfielder, enter in his place.
"We don't have a percussion striker," sighs the Parisian coach. The entry of Laurina (Fazer) was for this purpose. Beyond creating chances, it facilitates the position of the opposing defensive block. Laurina and Manssita (Traoré, entered in the 52nd) have speed. They have not fulfilled that role badly. As for Lieke Martens, former Barça star, she is having one of her worst seasons. An expected offensive asset, the Dutchwoman, who also entered the 52nd minute of play, did not weigh in the match.
"Saying something other than: we're playing well but something is missing"
In these conditions, does PSG have the weapons to compete with OL in next Sunday's decisive match? "Let me digest 24 hours," concedes Gérard Prêcheur. I'm going to be at the bottom of the abyss 24 hours and on Monday I'll be ready. Solutions, I try quite a bit... So much has been done. There are missing defenders, I put a midfielder. We try a lot of things... But it's thoughtful, I reassure you (smiles). These are not poker moves. I would have plenty of hope. If I don't believe it, who's going to believe it? »
🎥 The reactions of Gérard Prêcheur and Elisa De Almeida after #OLPSG pic.twitter.com/4X8hzFW0dl
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The Parisiennes have already beaten Lyon this season, in the first leg of the league in December thanks to a solid defensive performance and a goal from ... Diani (1-0). A memory that can animate them. "We give everything," says Élisa de Almeida, international defender. The state of mind will still play a lot next week. There are tactical points to review but we do not have time to stay on this defeat (Saturday). We will play at the Park, at home, we have to give everything. »
And not to end the season with only regrets. "There is disappointment for the players, those who give their best," says Gérard Prêcheur. The defeat is a reflection of the season. But we will have to find the means for it to evolve differently and say something other than: we play well but something is missing. We gave two gifts tonight. But the positive point is that we were able to keep our game and our control of the ball. Encouraging, then. Sufficient? See you around 23 p.m. next Sunday to find out.