MHSC. Michel Der Zakarian: “It’s a very small step towards maintaining”, “Kouyaté wanted to stay, he was very angry, in our time we were playing”

Michel Der Zakarian's MHSC reaped a valuable success from its trip to Le Havre. Midi Libre – JEAN MICHEL MART

MHSC coach Michel Der Zakarian was satisfied with his team's victory on the Le Havre pitch (0-2), Sunday March 31 during the 27th day of Ligue 1.

Michel Der Zakarian, MHSC coach:"Today we had a good first half defensively, even if we got into difficulty due to turnovers. They have situations but no clear opportunities. We had difficulty attacking, creating a link, there was too much waste, which did not allow us to endanger our opponent.

Then we were much better, fairer and more surgical. The goal we scored was a good release of the ball, a good sequence on the side and the good center back for Jordan (Ferri), in the right place for this goal which did us good. Then there is the second goal from set pieces, that’s good too.

The impact of the substitutes? We are satisfied with everyone, everyone was involved to play a good match. We came to win. We knew that by winning, we would pass Le Havre. We must now continue against Lorient next Sunday. If we are lucky enough to win we put them at six points, which would be good.

We also had some scares with this easy ball lost at the start of the second period. Fortunately they don’t punish us. I think we had a good second half.

Omeragic defensive midfielder ? He is able to play in this position, he has already played in the selection like that, in a hybrid positioning. I asked him the question, he told me there was no problem.

Mincarelli ? He’s a young player who has athletic abilities, he listens, seeks to progress and he does it. That’s what we expect of him.

Kouyaté's exit? It was the doc and the physiotherapist who made the decision. He wanted to stay, he was very angry. In our time, we played (smile). There, he is fine.

Big step towards maintaining ? It’s a very small step. We are three points behind Lorient, we scored six in Metz, it's not over. We need three more wins, reach 38 points I think."