OL toss in Saint-Étienne: Fonseca focuses on renewal and physical freshness

Olympique Lyonnais (OL) does not have time to procrastinate. After an early elimination against Manchester United in the Europa League, the club will immediately have to get back on track by welcoming Saint-Étienne. Paulo Fonseca, the Rhônal coach, is aware of the need to refresh his staff and has announced significant changes.

“There haven’t been a lot of days to get back,” Fonseca said, stressing the importance of physical and mental recovery after the 120-minute tough fight on Thursday. Despite total confidence in his players, he is aware of the need to adjust his strategy. “I have to make changes. "

Attention is focused on the defensive sector, although Fonseca does not want to marginalize current players. Despite Malick Fofana’s return, the options seem limited. OL should adopt a 4-2-3-1 hybrid scheme, which can evolve towards a 4-4-2 to ensure an offensive presence of Alexandre Lacazette and Georges Mikautadze at the cutting edge.

Matteo Tessmann’s tenure is almost assured, while the rest of the defence is expected to undergo major changes. Moctar Niakhaté is expected as the only player to retain his place since the event against Manchester United.

The likely starting team, according to Team, is as follows: Descamps – Kumbedi, Caleta-Car, Niakhaté, Abner – Tessmann, Veretout – Cherki, Tolisso, Mikautadze – Lacazette.

OL will have to face a Saint-Étienne team known for its offensive aggression, which could pose additional challenges to a defence in the midst of a recomposition.