Post Practice Opinions/Thoughts From Players And Management

By: Julien | June 26th, 2008

After the first practice with our new manager several players and leaders of the club spoke about the current shape of LOSC. As you read each person’s comments note the common reactions. Most seem pleased about the future. Also to prevent a potential wave of players transferring out of Lille, many Lillois have stressed that not much has changed. Rudi Garcia has convinced some players that he is the right man for the job. I agree that Michel Seydoux could have done a lot worse. I’m not saying Garcia is a poor manager. But a suitable replacement for Claude Puel? No way in hell.

LOSC captain Grégory Tafforeau’s post-practice thoughts:
“There are not a lot of guys who quit the team this summer: only Jean Makoun left. Meanwhile it was surprising that claude puel left. We didn’t hear anything about it. We only had information in the newspapers. Now it is done, end of the story. At yesterday’s practice we warmly welcomed Rudi Garcia. The team is almost the same and we are glad to start a new season.”
He also spoke about Balmont:
“It is a good thing that Florent joined us! He is a well known player who embraces the virtues of the team. He is a fighter. Also, he is an experienced player that can enhance our relatively young squad.”

Garcia seems keen on keeping most of Lille’s current group of players. Rio Mavuba, Kevin Mirallas, and Stephan Lichtsteiner are complicating that goal. Rudi recently spoke regarding Rio Mavuba’s future with LOSC. Mavuba isn’t sure whether he will stay with Lille or not due to the circulating rumors of even more transfers out of the club.
“Rio said he was not sure if he would stay. But he might. And the arrival of Florent doesn’t forbid Rio’s signing. It is always better to have an abundance of talented players.” Mavuba in the midfield worked great last season. We should really try to keep him.

Stephan Lichtsteiner has wanted to leave since the start of the Euro. He was asked if he would remain in Lille for another season early on in the tournament. Stephan’s blunt reply was “no.” Garcia’s thoughts:
“I want to keep Stephan Lichtsteiner. He has been contacted by us and we hope that we can reach an agreement with him soon. Currently he has not been around, but it makes sense since he just finished the Euro.”

Ludovic Obraniak speaks on the benefits of Garcia’s arrival:
“It is very good to have some change, we are back to square one. The challenge between players to secure a spot in the starting 11 will go at full swing.”

Michel Seydoux:
“I don’t see a big difference from last season. It is the same club, it hasn’t changed. I am still there! And regarding the quality of the players, one player has left, Makoun, and he was replaced by Balmont. ”

LOSC prospect, Moussa Narry, has officially transferred to Auxerre. The Ghanian midfielder signed a four year contract with the Auxerrois. Five players were missing from practice yesterday: Sylva, Cabaye, Lichsteiner, Bastos, and Emerson. The first three players are on international duty. So what happened to the two Brazilians? Garcia said with a smile: “The two Brazilians were there, we sent them on a run.”