Pre-match
Two days before the visit of struggling Girondins de Bordeaux, Lens head coach Franck Haise and striker Florian Sotoca spoke to the press, discussing recent results, areas for the team to improve in and this weekend’s opponents.
The squad
As was announced after the game against Lorient, Jonathan Gradit (calf) and Wesley Saïd (hamstring) are unavailable for selection. Yannick Cahuzac serves a one-match suspension but Ignatius Ganago returns to the squad.
“‘Gana’” is back from AFCON,” said Haise. “It was difficult for him, he didn’t play as much as he’d hoped. I think he’ll have a point to prove, he’s another big asset to us. He’s trained really well this week.”
Haise also had reassuring news concerning Przemyslaw Frankowski: “He did some gym work and was in the treatment room this morning because of some pain in the arch of his foot but it’s nothing serious.”
Post-Lorient analysis
The defeat in Lorient was Lens’ second in a row in the league, so it was time for the management staff and players to analyse where the team can improve.
“We’ve been able to get results for the last 18 months because of each player’s commitment to the team. When one player shines, it’s because of the collective work that’s been done. Our game is all about the collective but when we overcomplicate things and play less dynamically, when we impose ourselves less on crosses into the box, we have some trouble. It’s important to stay consistently motivated”, explains Haise,
He continues, “What interests me is the way the players act and the demands they place on themselves every day. This week’s training sessions were of a very high standard but all that matters is what happens out on the pitch at the weekend.”
Sotoca also has his say on recent results and the squad’s current state of mind: “We’re going through a difficult spell in which we have to stay united. When we lose, we can’t point the finger at each other. We need to bounce back as a team. We’re having a bit of a tough time but we have to stay focused on ourselves and on the work we’ve done during the week. We’re back training at full tilt, with lots of intensity. It’s up to us to reproduce that in matches, we’re not far off doing it. We have to demand even more of ourselves.”
Objectives for the season
For Sotoca, the objective for the club – currently 9th in Ligue 1 after 23 games – is to stay up.
“We’ve got the club back to Ligue 1. The second season is always the most difficult one for a promoted team. We did well in the first half of the season and started 2022 well but now we’re going through a difficult spell. We’ve got a well-rounded squad which is doing well. Physically we’re fine, but we’re not quite as good mentally. We’d like to rediscover our best form and understanding in attack. We’re ambitious, we’ve got character and we want to finish as high up the table as possible. We’re on the right track to stay up but we can’t let up. If we can climb the league even further, we’ll do it.”
Attacking play
Lens have been a little less efficient in recent weeks than in the first half of the season, creating fewer goalscoring opportunities.
“To create more chances, we have to play with more energy and show better movement,” states Haise.
Striker Sotoca knows all about this side of the game and agrees with his coach: “Offensively, we haven’t been quite as good but these periods sometimes happen. We mustn’t doubt ourselves because we’ve got quality players. We have to trust the work we’ve done. We have to move forward as a team because whether we concede a goal or score one, it affects us all. We haven’t lost the quality we have in just a few games. I’m convinced we’ll react positively.”
Boredaux
Although they sit in 19th place in the table, Bordeaux are a team that Lens have to be wary of, says Haise: “Bordeaux are one of Ligue 1’s most historic and successful clubs. They’re used to being in the top half of the table. It’s a bit of a surprise to see them in the position they’re in but that goes to show that Ligue 1 is a really tough competition.”
Sotoca agrees: “Bordeaux are going through a difficult period but they’re a huge name in French football. You have to be careful against this kind of team. The situation they are in is new to them and they’ll try to react. They’ll be dangerous, they have quality players who like to counterattack, their defensive block is quite compact. Bordeaux are going to change manager this week or next and when that happens, there’s often a reaction.”
The fans
Despite the fact that the Marek stand will be closed for the game against Bordeaux, Haise is delighted that his team will be able to play in front of their fans, which will give them a huge boost: “We’re happy to be able to welcome the majority of our fans back to Stade Bollaert, as well as season ticket holders from the Marek stand, even though they won’t be in their usual seats. We’ll be well backed in any case! In this difficult spell, it’s important for us that our fans be demanding, push us on and support us, especially at home.”
A feeling shared by Lens’ number 7: “It’ll be good to have the fans back, although it’s a shame the Marek stand won’t be open. At least the season ticket holders who sit there will still be in the ground. We missed our fans for a month. At Bolleart, they are so supportive. We know that they can push us on on Sunday. They’re really important to us and we hope we can make them happy against Bordeaux.”