In the 1-0 win over APOEL Nicosia, Olympique Lyonnais coach Remi Garde did not use Bafetimbi Gomis at all and the tactician seems to prefer an extra midfielder over a striker in the UEFA Champions League games
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-Lyonnais-c40130 beat APOEL Nicosia 1-0 in their first game of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at the Stade de Gerland. Though the margin of victory was narrow, the stats show a different story. Throughout the game, Les Gones dominated possession
and Nicosia never had a sight at goal which clearly shows how much things have changed under Remi Garde.
However, the French tactician despite his inexperience knew well that games in Europe are won and lost in the midfield.
“For sure, on the European stage, the most games are won in the midfield and we must be aware of this,” said Garde while talking to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 Football.
The French tactician knows how important Champions League is for the sustenance of the club. Les Gones need to go far in the Champions League and for Garde, the midfield has to shine on the European stage.
However, Garde was forced to sacrifice one player in order to neutralise the potency of Nicosia’s strike force. The tactics deployed by Garde have proven to be great for every player except for Bafetimbi Gomis who found himself staying on the bench throughout
the game.
Following his idea that games in Europe are won in the midfield, Garde sacrificed the former AS Saint-Etienne striker in favour of Ederson who has never been an integral part of the side so far this campaign.
Ousting a striker for an extra midfielder, some might say that the Frenchman made a bold decision as Gomis has proven to be a good partner for Lisandro Lopez. However, in the end, Garde’s gamble paid off as Les Gones won the game 1-0.
Throughout the game, the Rhone giants dominated possession well above 60% and kept the opponent strikers at bay. Throughout the game, APOEL had only one shot on goal.
The formation used by Remi Garde in that game was 4-2-3-1 which meant that Garde was to choose between Gomis and Lisandro Lopez. The latter has been in great form off late and the decision couldn’t have been any easier for the former Lyon player.
It seems that Gomis might be seen on the bench more often than not whenever Lyon play in Europe whether it’s the Champions League or the Europa League.
Lopez being the undisputed holder, Gomis will have to get used to warming the bench whenever Lyon play in Europe. Though he uses two strikers in Ligue 1, Garde will favour a single striker in Europe.
Furthermore, many of the squad players seem to agree with Garde’s philosophy. Young midfielder, Maxime Gonalons was at home in the new formation and wants this formation to be used everytime his side plays in Europe.
“It’s better to play with 3 midfielders upfront. Moreover, the Champions League matches are played in the midfield,” says that youngster who gave a good account of his talent in the win over the team from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cyprus-c2881.
However, all is not lost for Gomis who will have to settle for playing in Ligue 1 and the cup games. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ederson-c11880, Gourcuff, Grenier all started the game and Lyon’s midfield gave a nearly flawless performance which means that Garde will not change things.
And yes, it seems clear that the misfortune of one (in this case Gomis) can be the happiness of others especially Ederson.
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