[J12] LOSC – Monaco: the highs and lows
Brilliant at home, LOSC offered an attacking recital against Monaco (4-3). Thus, the Mastiffs make the pass of three and are in the Top 6 in the league. If the attack responded present with automatisms in great progression, the defense, it, experienced some difficulties. Discover our tops and flops of this meeting of the Twelfth day of Ligue 1.
The hights
Simply high-performing recruits
This Sunday evening, some players who arrived this summer showed the full extent of their qualities. Starting with Rémy Cabella on the offensive front. New entry holder from Strasbourg, his technical contribution as well as the accuracy of his passes do a lot of good to the Mastiffs. Vigilant to follow the actions of his teammates, he does not hesitate to go from his shots to “Helping his team” as he would put it so well. As much in shooting as in passing, he is fair. On the defensive side, Alexsandro was preferred to Leny Yoro to support Tiago Djalo in central defense. This choice paid off for Paulo Fonseca, who even saw his scoring defender with an authoritarian header, well served by Ounas. Unlike Djalo, the Brazilian seemed more comfortable defensively, without flying over the game. Finally, Adam Ounas, less exploited than usual, still delivered a nice decisive pass. His technical power is stunning, even if physically, a consolidation is, without a doubt, to be carried out. The transfer window seems to be gradually bearing fruit.
Paulo Fonseca’s philosophy rewarded
Since the start of the season, Lille supporters have gone from nothing to nothing. From Jocelyn Gourvennec last year, they moved on to Paulo Fonseca. Also, from a defensive philosophy to an attacking philosophy. This is felt in the results and the spectacle offered, public opinion being final on this point. Against Monaco, it was possible to dissect everything and understand the advantages and disadvantages. As an advantage, there are the offensive intentions of an entire team, including the secondaries who therefore become pistons. All this generates automatisms between the attackers and an emulation, which leads to goals. Nevertheless, a disadvantage appears: that of the defense. Defensive returns are complex and defenders are often exposed, like yesterday during some against Monaco. A coach accepts this risk, it is Olivier Dall’Oglio, former coach of Montpellier. This philosophy, Paulo Fonseca accepts it, the part of risk with.
Substitutes bring new life
The LOSC coach made some changes against Monaco during the game. Forced to leave Adam Ounas, reduced, he aligned Timothy Weah, recently back from injury. This was followed by Carlos Baleba in the middle and Mohamed Bayo in attack. They didn’t have the chance to score or deliver one or more assists, but the chances were merged. Aged just 18, Baleba impresses with his maturity and his ability to breathe new life into the game. Just like Mohamed Bayo, if as a striker it is cruel not to even be rewarded in a tangible way. However, for a few minutes, it is possible to see that the LOSC bench has great potential and is capable of being at the level of this collective.
The flops
A defense in lack of serenity
With three goals conceded in this match, the Mastiffs were not a solid rock. Two blunders in particular marked the spirits: that of Lucas Chevalier and that of Tiago Djalo. The first justification comes from the fact that the absence of José Fonte in central criminal defense LOSC. Indeed, the captain brings mental serenity to his group and is a sure leader of men. Tiago Djalo was unable to take on this role. Worse, his clumsy ball loss racking up a but didn’t improve that feeling. Symbol of a defense in difficulty, Lucas Chevalier, goalkeeper normally solid in recent matches, failed. Admittedly, he caught up with several decisive saves, but what the spectators will remember is this ball which escapes Lille on a free kick after a disagreement. Alexsandro was a small thinning, still insufficient to find serenity.
Paul CLAUZARD