Paris Saint-Germain showed just why they are a force to reckon in France with a 1-0 victory over their title rivals, Olympique Lyonnais, at Parc des Princes in the Game Week 18 of the 2012/2013 Ligue 1 campaign
Not many would have predicted http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 international’s strike in the dying moments of the first half was the only goal scored in the game and it was more than enough
to take Carlo Ancelotti’s side to the summit.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-Lyonnais-c40130 were dealing with a number of injuries at that moment and that was the reason why coach, Remi Garde, opted to field an extra defender out there. The main idea behind playing with five defenders was to counter the threat posed by the attacking
force of the Parisiens. The likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jeremy-Menez-c18345 and Pastore are enough to deprive any coach from a good night sleep.
However, it was Matuidi who settled the score for the hosts and clinched the top spot from the Rhone giants. Paris Saint-Germain coach, Carlo Ancelotti has heaped praise on his players, who showed great determination to get a positive result at home. While
talking to reporters at a press conference, the 53-year-old stated that the way his players performed against Les Gones was beyond amazing and it shows that PSG have the ability to deal with bad results and get back to winning ways quickly.
The win has pleased the boss to great extent, who feels that the Ile giants have what it takes to challenge the very best in the business. Paris Saint-Germain’s main priority is to win the Ligue 1 title this season, something they haven’t achieved in eighteen
years. And the way things are going for the capital club, it won’t be a mad idea to tip them for the Championelle glory.
“We've now got a solid team that can do things this season. Football is sometimes weird: who'd have thought PSG could change attitude in 15 days? The players have worked well and deserve to be top of the table. It's important to be there, but the most important
thing is to finish out in front," said the PSG boss.
Olympique Lyonnais, despite the defeat, showed that they belong here. Losing top spot to PSG is one thing, but Remi Garde's side showed that they are capable of going very far this season, and a side composed of so many young players, can rival Paris Saint-Germain
for the Ligue 1 title this season till the final whistle.
Coach, Remi Garde took positives from the defeat and is of the view that his side is on the right track.
"We did what we had planned to do apart from some 30 seconds. PSG were clinical in that move. In the second half, we lacked penetration, and had trouble in getting closer to PSG's goal. I still want to believe that my team is on the right track. I'm not
worried by this defeat; it gives me signs of encouragement," said an optimistic Lyon boss.
Paris Saint-Germain are indeed favourites for the Championelle this season but Olympique Lyonnais certainly won’t make it easy for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, and expect the title race to go down the wire.
Disclaimer: Opinion and views in this article is writer’s own and it does not reflect Bettor.com editorial policy
Tags: