Coupe de France: “We will recover, don’t worry”, “we must revolt”, the reaction of Michel Der Zakarian

Michel Der Zakarian calls on his players to “revolt”. Midi Libre – JEAN MICHEL MART

The Hérault coach pointed out the defensive generosity of his team during the elimination against Nice (1-4) in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France, this Wednesday February 7. But he assured that he remained hopeful for the future. 

"I wouldn't say nightmare. We defended poorly on the goals we scored. They shot three times in the first half… You have to have the taste not to concede goals already, and the taste to defend well. The first goal, we take it (on a shot) from 25-30 m but we have to defend better, faster on him. We have the goal ball before, we have to put it at the bottom.

I am very disappointed. But that’s how it is, that’s football. We must revolt, fight collectively when we are in difficulty, not wanting to each do our own thing. Let us have this attitude. That's what made us strong last season, we fought together, we didn't hesitate to make the effort together, we attacked well together. It's true, today, we have fewer offensive weapons, too many players with significant injuries, others who do not have significant playing autonomy. May we find good individual health and the desire to fight together. I have no doubt, we have already done it. But it will take the will, not to close one's eyes and say "it's the fault of the other", to put oneself at the service of the collective.

The attendance (5500 spectators) ? I don't know. It’s a shame to play in front of a practically empty stadium in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France. I make the observation like you. 

We have two very important matches against direct competitors, for the battle for maintenance. We will have to raise our heads and be better in all areas.

Savanier injured ? There is a foul on Téji in the 16m, I think. He has two nice cuts on his fibula. 

When you take four, I don't want to smile. When I lose I'm sick. But we will recover, I have no doubt about it.

We wanted to create more games, to have more people in front. Whether it's Yann (Karamoh), Tanguy (Coulibaly), they don't have more than 45-60 minutes of play in their legs today. And when you change you have to have equipment and you end up with an attack it’s a training center. I have nothing against young people. They fight, give what they have but we see the difference with the high level, especially against a team like Nice."

Francesco Farioli, Nice coach: “Not a perfect evening”

"It's not a perfect evening. There were some good things, some not so good. What is positive is to score four goals and advance to the quarter-finals, which is an important goal for the club. And to have seen two players take their first step in the pros.

We got down to business the shelter. However, Montpellier continuedé &agrav; attack with strength and desire to come back. We were able to save the playing time of Dante or Sanson with a view to the next match. The boys were é good after scoring the first goal on an individual feat. Then they got on track."