FC Nantes travels to Lyon this Wednesday. For the occasion, find our traditional pre-match interview with an opposing supporter, today Jonathan, editor-in-chief of Café du Commerce OL.
Could you briefly introduce yourself to the readers, as well as Café du Commerce OL ?
My name is Jonathan, I’m 25, I’m editor-in-chief at Café du Commerce OL, a media specializing in Olympique Lyonnais. The project started almost 4 years ago now. We have the will, through a very free editorial line, to offer substantive content that is not especially found elsewhere. Today you can follow us on 3 major platforms: Twitter, the website and Twitch.
For my part, I have supported OL since the age of 6, following a historic event for the club. May 2002, 34th day: OL – RC Lens. My father was listening to the match on the radio, after the meeting I saw him return to indescribable joy. It’s probably a bit stereotypical, but it was the trigger for my passion for OL and football more generally.
Lyon are on a good streak of 14 unbeaten games, how do you analyze this start of the season?
It’s a strange feeling, we got off to a very bad start to the season, notably conceding a lot of draws. We even wondered if Garcia was not going to jump after sharing the points against an OM at 10 for 70mn. We were then able to free ourselves in front of teams playing higher (Strasbourg, Monaco, etc.) and there was a kind of click. We had very few successes during the month of September, with average efficiency then, we remembered that the workforce had immense potential, already seen during the Final 8. The bench depth coupled with a season without the European Cup is an undeniable asset for us.
Where do you see OL finishing at the end of the season? Does the bad form of PSG give you any ideas?
Yes obviously, it looks like a transition season for PSG. I think we have to be clear about the qualities of the OL workforce and stop hiding, there is no shame in having high ambitions. However, we will have to remain vigilant, there have been many twists and turns in just 16 days, we are not immune to a new crisis of confidence or a competitor who passes the second …
Lyon is playing its first season without a European Cup since 1997, do you think that can be beneficial in the league?
Yes I think so. It can be beneficial at all. I am one of those who consider that there were a certain number of dysfunctions at OL on sports policy. OL began to stagnate for several years without really experiencing failure. This did not lead to questioning.
I see this poor performance as an opportunity to self-criticize and start again. After that, we will be able to concentrate all our strength on the championship.
From an outside perspective, what do you think of FC Nantes?
In general, FC Nantes is part of the furniture of Ligue 1. Then personally, I have a lot of respect for what was undertaken at the club during the 90s. Between Suaudeau and Denoueix, FC Nantes has a priceless heritage. It is painful to see that the club has completely turned this page since the arrival of Kita. I think it is difficult for the club to be ambitious in this context when the supporters deserve much better.
What is your best, but also your worst memory against Nantes?
My best memory is recent, it was the 4-3 victory in the Coupe de France last season. Rayan Cherki, young as I have been for a few years, revealed himself to the general public by delivering a great performance, at only 16 years old.
For the worst, I would go back to the 2008-09 season. Defeat 2 to 1 at Beaujoire with a double from Klasnic. The defeat was painful because we were in a bad patch which probably had a strong impact in the end of the Lyon dynasty, and the first untitled season of L1 for 7 years.
Which players will you watch tomorrow?
On the Nantes side, I would have said Ludovic Blas, but he will be suspended. I think we will have to be careful Kolo Muani. For OL, the fit men are Paqueta, Toko Ekambi and Kadewere. Vista and speed.
How do you feel about tomorrow’s game?
I might be wrong, but I’m pretty confident. FC Nantes are in 7 games without a win and OL remain on 8 wins in 10 games. The dynamics are diametrically opposed.
But we are in a period where it plays every 3 days, the holidays are coming … Maybe it can rebalance the debates …
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