His return to the Europa League:
« It's a pleasure because it's a different competition and the squad got off to a very good start in the group phase. Personal feelings aren't the most important thing. Our objective tomorrow is to qualify. That's what's at stake and we have to keep that in mind. Then we need to give ourselves the means to win a final against Villarreal at home. We need to go step by step. It's not going to be easy because we'll be facing a team with a taste of revenge from the first leg. »
Victory imperative?
« I don't know. This is a team that resumed its league campaign last weekend. It's true that they're going through a very difficult period but we have to be wary of them despite everything because European Cup matches are different. There's the fact that we're behind closed doors and then there's the fact that they're going to be throwing everything they've got into Matchday 5. It's a decisive match for them too, and they'll be playing for their pride and honour. That means we have to be on our toes. »
A repeat tactic?
« The 3-4-3 is a possibility. In the squad, you can play in different ways. It's an advantage for a coach to have different options during a match. We installed a three-man defence against Reims, which worked well with complementary players who were used to playing in this formation at their previous clubs. We inevitably need continuity, particularly in terms of results, if we are to become more consistent. That's certainly what we've lacked at the start of the season. As with all systems, there are advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is having a high density in the centre of the pitch. The disadvantage is that you only have two players in the middle in terms of defence, so you have to know how to manage that and adjust. There's no ideal system, you have to adapt to the characteristics of the players. The most important thing is to give them common reference points so that they can then express all their qualities, and there are many of them. »
Warmed Omari returns after suspension in last match:
« Warmed is a player with a lot of qualities. If we're going to continue with a three-back system, it's important to have four central defenders who already have experience at their disposal. That wasn't the case with Warmed Omari's suspension at the weekend, and it won't be the case tomorrow with Jeanuël Belocian's suspension, but I can't wait for these four to be available to the group, and for them to raise their game through competition. This level of competition is very important, and there has to be room for everyone to express themselves. The young players also need to show their qualities. I'd never tell a player that he's an indisputable starter. It's the performances that determine the choices. This hierarchy is important, but it's never set in stone. It always depends on performances, injuries and suspensions. Opportunities arise and you have to be able to seize them. »
The opponent :
« We've studied Maccabi and a very clear presentation will be made to the players on Thursday morning. We have a lot of respect for this team. Our ambition is to play our game, with intensity, and to be equal to a European Cup match. »
UEFA Europa League - Group F - Matchday 5
Maccabi Haifa FC v Stade Rennais F.C.
Thursday 30 November 2023 - 18:45 CET
Ferenc-Puskás Stadium - Budapest (Hungary)
