OM - Braga (3-0) | Postmatch reactions
Maxime Lopez : «A great result»
"We wanted to have a good performance because it's important, we did not want to concede a goal. We opened the scoring very quickly, and managed a good starts by scoring fast. Then we were solid defensively, we did not concede a goal and we scored three. It's a great result, there remains a return match and we'll go there to win.”
"I really enjoyed this match with this team, we play ball. With Flo (Thauvin), it's been a while since we pulled off a one-two and score. We succeeded today and I am very happy for him. The (SC Braga) goalkeeper made some nice saves, especially against Lucas (Ocampos). With a little luck, we could have scored more goals but the goalkeeper made some nice saves."
"Braga is a great team, a club that plays ball. Thanks to the video session that we studied before the match, we knew the opponent better, we know how they play, their strengths and how to defend them."
"The match in Paris is a bit far. We cannot rest next week. The return leg will be a big match. Braga will attack and it will require solid defensive work and killer instinct in front of goal."
“When everyone is at 100 percent, we are at our best, which is the strength of the group. The atmosphere is beautiful in the group, everyone gets along well and everyone adds their piece to the puzzle.”
Bouna Sarr : «A great position for the return leg»
"It was a perfect night: three goals scored, none allowed. This bodes well for the second leg and qualifying. Although we still must be careful in the return match, this win goes a long way toward qualifying. It was important not to concede a goal. 3-0, it's a flattering score. We will not spit in the soup, as they say. We are satisfied with the score. I did not hold back at all, because I will be out against Bordeaux (note: Sarr is suspended). In this type of match, a lot is a little in the unknown, we do not know what team we will have in front of us. We made it easy by scoring a goal so fast and from then on, we imposed our game."
"I'm surprised but disappointed in the match attendance) but it's up to us to give the fans the desire to come to the stadium. If we pass this round and draw a big or a more famous club, they will be here."
"We are confident, our movements will improve over games. We are still learning in the offense to continue to score more goals and to please our fans."
Valère Germain : «A small step toward qualifying»
"We took a small step toward qualification for the next round. The first leg is important in order to pass this round. We scored goals, without conceding, so it was a beautiful evening. It's ideal to start the game well. We are doing it pretty well right now, so thats a positive. We did well tonight and it's easier to keep going even though we waited for the second period to score the most. We had a lot of chances on goal but we would all have taken a 3-0 if it was offered before the game was played. It's especially good before the return match, to have conceded goal."
"When we got first, we had taken a great move toward qualifying. We did it, but we must remain focused and know that anything can happen in the second leg. We scored three goals, but they are also capable to score three on us too. In the history of European cups, we have seen that comebacks are possible, so we cannot relax."
"We are in good shape. Since 2018, we are a good dynamic team, what we do is very good. We have many strong qualities and that's why we are having great performances now. I am 100 percent, I had a little knock last week that made me stop training for 2-3 days. The coach told me that he would substitute me out before the end of the game because there are a lot of matches coming up. The staff manages the group well. There are many players who can play, while some rest. There is quality in the starting lineup and it has been proven. We want to play the most matches, we want to be on the ground especially when it goes well. Clinton (Njie) and I are able to serve as scorers as well."
