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22.02.2009 11:54
Puel: “Barça is the toughest opponent we could face”
Berta Brau
The Olympique Lyon coach is aware that Barça is a tough opponent; a team that “has everything to produce great football”. However, Puel feels sure Lyon is up to the clash.
In an interview given a few days ago to Barça TV and fcbarcelona.cat, Claude Puel spoke about this Tuesday’s clash in Lyon. He believes the key to Barça’s success is their team spirit.
Olympique Lyon will be trying once again to get through this round in the Champions League. This time their rivals are Barça. So how do you see this clash?
“It’s the most difficult draw we could have faced, given
that Barça is the best team in the world at the moment. It’ll be difficult for us, but I
think we have a chance if we play as a team and produce good football. Barça has some great
individual players, but we have a great team. We can produce some great football, and we need to
play as a team in order to win.”
The two leaders of their respective national leagues face each other in this round...
Yes, but Barça is stronger than us. It’s a pleasure to watch them play. They have everything to produce great football. They have some great individual players, but they play with team spirit and a strong mindset. It’ll be tough for us.”
Who do you think are Barça’s main dangers?
“There are a lot of dangers, but more importantly, they play great team football. Their key players play as part of the team. I think their greatest danger is when they pile on the pressure once their opponent loses possession.”
What weapons do you have to counter-balance Barça’s danger?
“Mainly our character, which was evident in some of the
group-stage games when we turned the score round. We have a great mentality. We also have some
important individuals, such as Benzema and Juninho. Obviously we don’t have as many stars as
Barça, but we have our resources.”
You weren’t in charge last year when the two sides met in the group stage, but are there any lessons to be learned from Olympique’s defeat?
“That’s all in the past, now. Both sides have a new coach, new players and both are playing a different style of football. I think Barça are a better side this season, with marvellous players and a great team spirit.”
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Olympique Lyon’s coach
Claude Puel, known as “sergeant Puel”, was born in Castres, Françe, on September the
2nd, 1961. His playing career began with his local side, where he played in various youth sides
from 19970-1977. In 1977, he signed for Monaco, where he went on to spend all his professional
career till he retired in 1996. He stayed there on the coaching staff, and was made first team
coach in 1999. In 2002, he took charge at Lille, where he stayed till last year, when his success
with the northern French side caught Olympique’s attention. He became coach there at the
start of this season.
