FANS VIEW: Episode 3
Well, as we have seen plenty of times in the past, a month makes a big difference in football. This has certainly been the case at Olympique Lyonnais, with questions raised about the consistency and ability of squad members as well as the manager, an unbeaten run in December has now silenced these critics. The team returned to playing free flowing and attacking football, entertaining fans in the process and restoring confidence around Stade de Gerland.
So, yes these supporters will be delighted with recent results, but we want to take our analysis that step further. We are again asking for the opinions of our three loyal Les Gones supporters, Josh Slater, Neal 'Suresh' Hasan and Jeremy Pauker, with these so called experts sharing their views on all the recent action in and around their beloved club.
With doubts creeping in, and as already mentioned, questions raised about the team’s consistency, it has been a complete turnaround with some excellent results in December. The early season form was fantastic but in recent weeks there was a number of disappointing displays leading to these critical remarks, but Juninho’s men have found an answer in the perfect fashion. What do you make of the players and the manager’s response, to the fans concerns?
Slater: ”They have shut everyone up, there’s no doubt about that. I was hoping our performances in November were just a major blip in form, and in December we proved this so. Previously, I spoke about Juninho now needing to prove himself to be capable in man management, and he did exactly that. We didn’t see any heartless, passionless displays anymore and instead we were back to watching fantastic football as we had wanted.”
Hasan ('Suresh'): ”The response from the players was terrific. Any bad displays they put in the back of their minds, pushed on, and showed the signs of real winners. Even the best can have a bad patch, but it’s how you respond to this and what you do next, which proves your true talent. We can all see that this is a very talented bunch of players, and it seems as if they have the right mentality too.”
Pauker: ”I am not surprised, I predicted it. I knew we would fight back, I told you so. If you remember correctly I told you we would return to form and we did. This proves it, anyone doubting me before can forget about it….. I am the greatest.”
Having breezed past the Europa League Group Stage, topping the group with not a single loss, the club are now into the 1st Knockout Round of the competition. Many are dreaming of a glorious European run, but with the draw having been made last week, it’s going to be tough to even make it past this round. What are your thoughts on being handed a tie against Tottenham, do you think Lyon can progress?
Slater: ”lel Spurs.”
Hasan ('Suresh'): ”Pft, it's just Spurs! Easy win.”
Pauker: ”Hahahaha, good joke…Spurs. Oh wait, you were serious? Oh sorry, yeah Tottenham have a great team. Ah, who am I kidding? We will win, no problemo.”
Despite hailing his side’s quick return to top form, manager Juninho has still been open to new signings in the approaching January transfer window. Do you share the boss’ sentiments, and which area would you like the club to strengthen in?
Slater: ”I think some fresh faces at the club would be great! Perhaps a new striker?”
Hasan ('Suresh'): ”Personally, I don’t think we are too desperate for a new addition to the squad, but if someone with real quality does come available then we should look into it. There is no point rushing into a signing that we don’t need. Still, I trust Juninho’s business in the transfer market and eagerly anticipate any dealings he has lined up.”
Pauker: ” Yes, we need some new signings, definitely. Perhaps we could get that guy, y’know that guy. That utter monster, damn what’s his name again? Oh, it’s Emile Heskey. We should sign Emile, m’kay?”
That’s it for today’s episode of ‘FANS VIEW’, but be sure to join us and our three wonderful experts next time for more Les Gones talk!
