OM-Nantes (0-2): The coach's reaction

The match

We started the match badly, lacking energy and failing to give it our all. Without energy and vigour, you lose against everyone. After the red card, we conceded a goal straight away. In the second half, we had chances to score, but it was even harder with 9 against 11. I had to take off a striker. I took Aubameyang off early. We deserved to lose.

The table is tightening up

Yes, apart from Lens and PSG, we have to focus on ourselves. We need more desire, more energy, without that, we deserve third place.

The system

No, in defence, we've always played like that. Balerdi had a fever yesterday. Egan-Riley played, Medina and Pavard have already played in a three-man defence. Everyone lacked energy and the manager has to ask himself why the players lacked energy.

The midfield

If Greenwood plays as No. 10, we have more help on the wing with Weah. If Greenwood plays as No. 7, we have less cover. Against PSG, we had Højbjerg and O'Riley, the team structure is the same. It depends on the match, on the opponent. We would have played badly today even if we had been playing 14 against 11. Today, we were a bit drained. That's not the problem. With the same players, we played two completely different matches in Lisbon and today.

Paixão's substitution

Jr thought Weah was better than Paixão. I had to take one of the four off. The one who seemed lacklustre to me was Paixão. And then Weah was one of the best players in the match.

The return match

I didn't have any feeling about this lack of energy. If I had felt it, I would have turned the Commanderie upside down. I hadn't seen any symptoms. Our team is made up of good players and good people. Today hurts. We lost because we deserved to lose against the bottom team. We could have caught up with the leaders. We have to put this day behind us because tomorrow we're off to Kuwait to play for the title against the best team in Europe. It's been 13 years since OM last got out of the Champions League group stage, which is a long time. We mustn't throw everything away. We have to stay balanced.

The transfer market

I'm a coach and I try to make as few mistakes as possible. If Vaz and Bakola aren't playing, it's because I don't think they're in good shape. I know they've had offers to renew their contracts. If they're fit to play, they play. They need to start training with hunger again, otherwise they won't play. It's the same for the senior players. They have to give their all; they can't think that everything is done after a few matches.

Psychological levers

What can I do? Even if we don't see the symptoms beforehand, it's difficult to predict the future. I'm at the top of my responsibilities and defeats. I'd like to understand why. I would like to understand why in Marseille there are rollercoaster rides, ups and downs. Today, being a psychologist counts for more than being a coach. I saw Vermeeren yesterday in my office. I could see that he hadn't trained well during the week, but I told him that I still had confidence in him, and he said thank you. Everyone needs to do something more. I'm going home feeling hurt. I'm not guilty, but I am responsible. It upsets me to lose the match this way.

The facts of the game

What can we do in this case? I'm changing another one. We need to be clear-headed and play with our heads. We can be clear-headed and hungry.