Aïssa Mandi: “The LOSC won’t let go until the end”

Two days away from the AJ Auxerre’s reception, Aïssa Mandi, an experienced LOSC central defender, shows a strong determination for the end of the season. While the final sprint of the Ligue 1 championship started, with only five remaining days to split the six contenders on the podium, the Lille club does not intend to abandon its ambitions.

The AS Monaco currently ranks second with 53 points, while the OGC Nice closes with 48 points. The LOSC, fifth with 50 points, aims to fill the gap and get in touch with the leaders. The qualification for the Champions League remains the main objective of the six teams in the race.

“There will be a lot of suspense. Many teams will meet, like us against Marseille at two games at the end,” said Aïssa Mandi at a press conference. “It’s gonna play, I think, the mind, the team that won’t let go.”

The win in Toulouse (1-2), although not representing the LOSC’s best match, is seen as a positive sign. “It’s always good, it shows the virtues of the team,” stresses the defender. “We saw him, for example, with Paris in the Champions League. They dominate heads and shoulders. And then, at the game back, where there’s a stake, they feel it’s coming back. It wins on a saved ball on the line, it wins by fighting, so it’s also an example to take.”

Mandi insists on the importance of their own game, while recognizing that sometimes it is necessary to win “otherly”. “We saw him, for example, with Paris in the Champions League. They dominate heads and shoulders. And then, at the game back, where there’s a stake, they feel it’s coming back. It wins on a saved ball on the line, it wins by fighting, so it’s also an example to take.”

Despite the need to score the three points, the team does not want to sacrifice its game. “We saw him, for example, with Paris in the Champions League. They dominate heads and shoulders. And then, at the game back, where there’s a stake, they feel it’s coming back. It wins on a saved ball on the line, it wins by fighting, so it’s also an example to take.” Aïssa Mandi remains determined to “loop” in an attempt to reach the Champions League qualification.