Olympique Lyonnais take on http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Lorient-c39153 in the Coupe de la Ligue semi-final in a bid to win their first trophy in nearly four years
Stade http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Du-c11689 Moustoir, France will see FC Lorient face a resurgent Olympique Lyonnais in the semi-final of this season’s Coupe de la Ligue.
To end the drought
The last time http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899. Ironically, that was the last time Lyon tasted silverware. In the same year, Les Gones won their seventh and last Championelle.
Since then, Stade de Gerland’s trophy cabinet is waiting to be opened and Les Gones faithful must hope for the jinx to break.
However, things have apparently changed for Lyon this season since the appointment of Remi Garde as the new coach. The Frenchman replaced Claude Puel at the helm and has certainly breathed fresh life into Lyon.
Les Gones are competing in all four competitions this term. They are in with a chance to lift the Championelle, have done well so far in the Coup de France and are also in the UEFA Champions League.
A win over Lorient will go a long way in giving the club hopes of winning at least one trophy by the end of the current campaign.
While talking to the media, Remi Garde admitted that he always wanted to be a part of a team aspiring to reach a cup final. On their way to the semis, Les Gones eliminated the likes of AS Saint-Etienne and reigning Ligue 1 champions LOSC Lille.
Remi Garde is hopeful of his side’s chances of making it to the final this time around.
"And this year, it could be us out there, so we're taking this match very seriously. The club hasn't won anything in three seasons, and it's time to change that. We have to add this Coupe de le Ligue to our trophy cabinet; that's what's motivating us."
Bastos to emulate Cris
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michel-Bastos-c25461 has never won a trophy for Lyon since his arrival and the Brazilian is keen on emulating defender Cris. Cris was a part of Lyon’s golden generation that won almost everything French football had to offer and Bastos is looking to take inspiration
from his fellow countryman.
Bastos said that all players in the dressing room are hungry for success and want to do the Lyon faithful proud.
Les Merlus up against it
Lorient coach Christian Gourcuff understands that odds are historically stacked against his side ahead of the encounter. Furthermore, Les Merlus have gone six games without a win in Ligue 1 and Gourcuff is keen to set the record straight.
"For a club like ours, playing in a final is much more important than it is for Lyon, I hope my players make the most of the occasion, and have the courage to take the risks they need to take to make it to the final at the Stade de France. We need to pull
out all the stops."
Injuries and team news
Lorient will be without the services of Gille Sunu and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Manga-c23335 is away on AFCON duty.
On the other hand, Les Gones will see the return of captain http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Yoann-Gourcuff-c37416 due to respective injuries.
Predicted final score: Lorient 0-2 Lyon
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