OM-Paris FC (5-2): The coach's reaction

Roberto De Zerbi: ‘Victory is always medicine’

What is your analysis of the match?

We played badly. I know my players and their qualities very well, and we didn't play well. I know the explanation. We had a very difficult week. A team is made up of humans, not robots. They went out on the pitch with too much fear, too many things on their minds. We played a very big game against Aston Villa. That proves that my players are sensitive. The best players were the experienced ones, Højbjerg and Aubameyang, and the young players.

A word on the defensive performance...

We conceded too many chances too easily, hit the post... We should have dealt with the first goal better. The second one was also too easy.

Do you need to sign more players to get a good result against Lyon?

We need to strengthen the team and think beyond the Lyon game. We all know that, the chairman, Mehdi and myself. This transfer window is tough, we're not at full strength. Medina's injury is a big blow.

Amine Gouiri played in the number 10 role...

He can play in that position, he's done it before. We're missing four or five players. I hope Rabiot will reconsider and that the situation will be resolved.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put in another great performance...

Aubameyang is a champion, he's in good form and he continues to make the difference.

Adrien Rabiot at OM, is it still possible?

I'm not the kind of person who slams the door in someone's face. I'm not the only one who decides. Adrien is a good lad and, as I said yesterday, I gave him some advice yesterday and I hope he'll take it and follow my lead. I'm trying to reach out, I never write people off. I can help resolve the situation for Adrien Rabiot as a person.

Have you been affected by this eventful week?

Yes, I was very annoyed by this week. We didn't need that. I tried to focus on football. I'm transparent and you can read my feelings.

Could this victory be the start of a rebuilding process?

Victory is always good medicine, but it doesn't solve the problems of this week. It doesn't serve to reconcile us. That has to come from both sides. I'm choosing my words carefully, there are a lot of things to take into account. People who write that OM wanted to make money off Rabiot are liars.

What matters now are the facts. To move forward, sometimes you have to take a step back.