« I want the whole squad to stay focused on the challenge of qualifying for Europe. It would be brilliant to qualify for Europe for the second year in a row. It’s massively important for the club and massively important for the supporters. I think we owe them that. I want everyone ready and focused.”
Have you noticed any change in your players?
“No, I don’t think so. The training sessions are going well. I’m happy with the work we’re doing. We try and train in the best possible way, working with a squad that isn’t the biggest in the world.”
And what about yourself?
“I’m staying focused too. I love this club more than ever. I’m intent on fulfilling my role and reaching our objectives. We’ll judge all that at the end of the season. It’s a professional duty.”
Le Mans have also decided to change coach…
“Knowing how the new coach plans to play would be a very good piece of information. They still need points so we have to be careful. The last time they changed coach it worked for them.”
The squad has lost a few players recently…
“You have to fill the gaps. Guillaume Hoarau, Ludovic Giuly, Sammy Traoré and Clément Chantôme are all unavailable. It’s impossible to win if not every single player is focused and ready. But I have total confidence in the players that will play. We have to play to our strengths and appreciate just what is at stake, we owe it to the fans.”
Against Rennes, did you feel you missed a great chance?
“Rennes wasn’t our best game of the season. We didn’t try enough. Even if we didn’t play well, we should still have made more of our chances.”
Are you worried by this Le Mans side?
“They have various tactical options and players capable of making the difference, such as Gervinho, Maïga, the Norwegian pair and others. They have some good spells and some rough patches, but we have to wary.”
