Coaches' reactions after MHSC – Strasbourg: “We have to put them at the back”, regrets Michel Der Zakarian

Michel Der Zakarian a donné de la voix sur le bord de la route ce dimanche 18 août. Midi Libre – Alexandre Dimou

The Montpellier coach is rather satisfied with the draw obtained (1-1) against Strasbourg this Sunday, August 18 at La Mosson, even if he regrets the wasted opportunities in the first half.

A positive point for Michel Der Zakarian. The Montpellier coach is satisfied with this draw (1-1) obtained Sunday at La Mosson to open the season against Strasbourg.

What is your first feeling after this first match of the season ?

We deserved to lead in the first half. We had a consistent first period, we had good game intentions. We can do better in my opinion with the players we have. We had waste at the technical level.  We had two big situations, where the goalkeeper made two big saves.

In the second half, it was a little more difficult. We did what was necessary to work together on a collective level. Strasbourg, with its power, undermined us at times. Strasbourg scored on a big opportunity, namely the only dangerous strike on their part. Otherwise, we controlled their attack well.

"We've taken a step back on the physical level"

Doesn't this loser leave a taste of unfinished business?

Considering the first half, we deserved to… When you lead, your opponent opens up a bit more and leaves a bit of space. That's how it is. You have to put them in the back of the net when you have the opportunities. The goalkeeper made the saves he needed to.

It was harder in the second half. We let up a bit physically. We didn't lose. We had a coherent draw. It's up to us to continue working to progress.

Is it a reassuring match ?

Considering the performances we have had in the friendly matches, it is better. On the defensive side, we were more solid. We defended better. Everyone made the necessary efforts to be solid on a collective level and recover the balls better. However, after the break, we crumbled a little against a team with different qualities to ours.

We did what we had, the players fought well.

🎙Michel Der Zakarian après MHSC 1-1 RCSA

⚡️#MHSCRCSA pic.twitter.com/9swEtZR30E

— MHSC (@MontpellierHSC) August 18, 2024

What did you think of Joris Chotard's return after his tournament Olympic ?

We're glad he's back. He wanted to play with us. He didn't want to go on vacation. He's showing a great state of mind. He played a good game. He won back a lot of balls. He played them well.

If it's a big loss in case of departure ? Of course yes. After, the club has financial problems, ; it is forced to sell players to move forward.

Last match in Montpellier ? I don't know at all. We will know when it is official, if he is to leave in the event of concrete offers.

What did you think of Benjamin Lecomte's performance, author of two decisive saves and very much in demand in the kicking game ?

It is a fashion to take the balls out on the six-meter mark, on the first restarts. Before being a goalkeeper, he was an outfield player, he kept a good technique in the kicking game. He tries to use it well.

Liam Rosenior, Strasbourg coach

“I am happy with the intensity and the investment of my team. That is what I can ask at the moment of my team with whom I have only been working for three weeks. Not a single player can say that he did not make the effort.

We are implementing a new style of play. In terms of pressing, we showed some good things. We didn't control the game in the first half, we showed some very good things in the second half, which is what I want to see from my team.”