Following his side's penalty shootout win over http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Lorient-c39153 on Wednesday, the Saint-Etienne coach has set his sights on going all the way in the competition
AS Saint-Etienne proved too good for the fellow Ligue 1 side, as they cruised to a hard-fought win against Les Merlus.
Les Verts coach, Christophe Galtier, is pleased with his side’s performance, and has urged his players to continue playing like that in the upcoming matches.
While talking to reporters, the 46-year-old stated that it was an exciting match and both teams played really well. The coach is delighted with the commitment showed by his players, and has backed them to play with same confidence in their upcoming games.
"It was a fast-paced match, with a lot of commitment, and we saw it through all the way to the end.”
Praising the opposing team, Galtier said that Lorient made life difficult for them on the pitch, and to beat a team, who hasn’t lost a single game in the league, is very pleasing.
The coach admitted that Les Merlus played better football, and his side was lucky to nick an equaliser to take the match to the penalty shootouts.
“I don't know if we deserved the win, but it feels great. We qualified against a side who led for most of the match and who are still unbeaten in the league.”
Galtier hailed Saint-Etienne goalkeeper, Stephane Ruffier, who was influential in his side’s success. The 46-year-old tactician said that luck was with Ruffier tonight and the custodian did really well.
“Our 'keeper Stéphane [Ruffier] was decisive. He hadn't been lucky in penalty shootouts until tonight, and he was awesome.”
While many teams do not take Coupe de la Ligue serious, Saint-Etienne are eyeing to win this competition. Christophe Galtier revealed that winning the competition is one of their objectives this season, and is optimistic about his side’s chances.
“The Coupe de la Ligue is one of this club's objectives and we'll give it all we've got, as we did tonight.
AS Saint-Etienne, who are currently 10th in the Ligue, face Stade de Reims on September 30, in their next Ligue 1 game.
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