Olympic Lyonnaise coach, Rudi Garcia has spoken about his pride and elation after masterminding a shock Champions League victory over Manchester City on Saturday.
Garcia said his side won the tactical battle with Pep Guardiola in the well-fought last-eight encounter. The former Lille trainer then took the time to commend his charges following the stunning win over their storied opponents.
“Proud of my troops, proud of my players. We believed in us, that we could achieve this feat,” Garcia told RMC Sport.
“We only conceded one goal and that is due to the team spirit of the group. Moussa was disappointed but as I said before the match, I knew he was going to be decisive when he came back. I am delighted that he scored twice as he had not yet scored in the competition.”
“With Pep, you have to expect anything. We knew he could cook up something to destabilise us, but we can say we won the tactical battle. After Leipzig, we mainly wanted to be in the round of 16 and that’s what we had achieved. If we show that mindset, we can do something against Bayern.”
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas was also on top of the world after seeing his side progress to the semi-final against Bayern, telling RMC Sport: “It’s wonderful. We have a group that has transcended itself. We already had good players but the psychological side was missing.
“I am very happy tonight. It’s great to have pulled off qualification against Juve and City. We know that Manchester City are a machine and that they should have passed so yes it is an achievement.
“It is also a huge feat after what has been going on for months with this League which stopped ten rounds from the end [with Lyon] in seventh place.
“We must underline the coaching of Rudi and the will of the players at the time of the equaliser. I think Rudi is a boy who does a good job even though it hasn’t been easy. He knew, with humility and sometimes difficulties, how to do his job and he made sure that this work allowed him this recognition so no, it’s not revenge, it’s confirmation.”
