Ligue 1: "We have character, but why wait until we're behind?", fumes the Paris FC coach

Stéphane Gilli, Paris FC coach, after the draw against Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1 on Wednesday (3-3): “We conceded the first goal from a 52-meter shot by the goalkeeper. That alone is unacceptable. What bothered me is that we know Tolisso and the second-string players are very good at getting forward. We had a system in place. We didn't follow it closely enough. In the second half, it was much better. I have mixed feelings because we can't concede that many goals. What's good is the team's reaction. At 3-0 down, even with the red card. We showed we have character. But why wait until we're behind? I have a few explanations, perhaps... Why not start matches with the same intensity, the same intention?” At the start of the match, some players weren't at their best, lacking a bit of personality. Our feet were shaking. We'll have to improve quickly on that.

Playing well, being clean, yes... But at some point in football, you have to win the duels. You have to be a bit more aggressive. Tonight, we picked up quite a few cards (six yellows, including two for Thibault De Smet). We have to find the right balance. Have I always believed in it? Yes. When I make substitutions, it's to bring something extra. Even if at 3-0, I didn't think so... But at least score a goal, try to ignite this stadium.

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Of course, the red card adds that extra something. But I know this team. They have character. Even if it hasn't always worked out, if I take the Strasbourg match, we came back to 2-1, 3-1, then 3-2. I know they won't give up until the last minute, but what bothers me is that this has to change. We can't always be chasing the game. We're capable of much better. There are some things that are obvious to me, like concentration. That first goal is symptomatic. You can't concede a goal in the first division like that.

Remarks made at a press conference