Europa League – OL vs Kyriat Schmona: big party at the kindergarten

Main news today : Fabio Grosso decided to end his career as a professional footballer. The former OL left back, without club since Juventus didn’t renew him, just announced he was turning the page.
Other than that, nothing to report. Everything is quiet. Or rather boiling under the surface before the 105th edition of THE derby that promises to be burning hot.

Oh wait, there’s a tiny little something. A Europa League game. Barely enough for some to raise an eyebrow.

OL, already qualified for the knockout stages of Europa League, will play a game without challenge against Kiryat Shmona. Pretty low in the pecking order, compared to the prospect of a derby in Geoffroy-Guichard stadium next Sunday evening, the 192nd European match of OL (200th if you count the eight Intertoto Cup matches) provides an opportunity to Rémi Garde to rest the most used players, and give playing time to those who need it most, the convalescent and the youth, allowing him to review his manpower.

And boy did Garde push this logic till the end : Gomis, Malbranque, Lacazette, Dabo, Réveillère, Vercoutre, Bisevac are rested … before the upcoming 7-day marathon ASSE / ASNL / PSG …
Long time holders of the OL infirmary loyalty card Gourcuff and Bastos, both back from injury, will be there to get some playing time.

But other than that, it’s baby time. For the record, OL will line up tonight the youngest team in its European history.
Just look at the group : Lopes, Frick – Zeffane, B. Koné, Saar, Monzon, Abenzoar – Fofana, Ferri, Blanc, Gourcuff, Bastos, Pléa, S. Koné, Labidi – Novillo, Benzia, Martial . Unbelievable. I bet Lyon had to hire nurses to prepare the player’s bottles…

“Playing at the Stade Gerland in the European Cup is a new dream come true. Not long ago, I was in the stands to watch the players. The setting will change as there will be many spectators, but I don’t expect too much pressure” said OL’s N°2 keeper Anthony Lopes who will take place in the goal after a first honorable display in Nice. “This is an opportunity for these young players, and a game that also counts for the image of the club” said Garde.
It sure will count, at least for these youngsters who will walk on the pitch with sparks in their eyes.

Good luck, kids! Show us the next OL, a few years from now!

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Category: Team News and Rumors