Lisbon (AFP)

Lyon is approaching its quarter of the Champions League against Manchester City on Saturday in Lisbon reinvigorated by the feat against Juventus, who exposed their new qualities: from 3-5-2 to the outbreak of Maxence Caqueret, OL do not is no longer the dying team from the start of the season.

- 3-5-2, the winning trifecta of Rudi Garcia -

This summer, Lyon concedes few chances. In 210 cumulative minutes against Paris SG (0-0 ap, 6-5 in the tabs) then Juventus (2-1 defeat but qualification thanks to a 1-0 success in the first leg), OL showed its muscles against some of the best strikers in Europe.

Despite the two defeats, goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, in the Coupe de la Ligue final, and central defender Marcelo, in the round of 16 second leg of C1, notably achieved a hardened steel performance.

More generally, coach Rudi Garcia noted the strength of his 3-5-2, which he had already tested before confinement. His training, which finished in a disappointing 7th place in the last Ligue 1 exercise interrupted by the pandemic, has gained in maturity and automatisms.

"It's a system that we manage better and better, and then it's a hybrid system, because with Maxwel (Cornet) and (Fernando) Marçal in the same team, we can go to four or three in peace during the same match ", recognizes the technician.

"I like this organization which allows us to fight with the best, even if I think we can improve it offensively," he concedes.

- Caqueret, Guimaraes, new sponsors in the field -

If the coach has found the formula, it is also because in the middle of the field, he has two assets that his predecessor Sylvinho, sacked in October, did not have: Bruno Guimaraes and Maxence Caqueret.

The first, who arrived in January, immediately won, to the point of being summoned by the Brazilian selection for the first time in March (the gathering was postponed due to the Covid-19).

Sporting director Juninho sees the young Carioca (22), tireless in recovery, becoming "one of the best in the world" in his post.

Caqueret (20), eight matches in L1 before the cut, has chained two successful tenures this summer which made the native of Vénissieux the new fashionable "Gone".

"He is a player capable of going to press in the feet of the adversary to recover balls. He has a good vision of the game and plays in one touch. He is invaluable in the middle. He already has a tactical culture which to him. allows you to play like a big one from time to time. He still needs to progress athletically, "Garcia said.

With Houssem Aouar (22 years old), OL have a young and technical triplet. Their duel against Mancunien Kevin de Bruyne, one of the best midfielders in the world, will necessarily be enticing.

- A state of mind to "do great things" -

OL started their preparation early, on June 8, in anticipation of a high-stakes summer for the club, which could not play in the European Cup next season, for the first time since 1996-1997.

"The physical preparation has been optimal, we demonstrate it, but it is especially the mental which is above, explains Garcia. The players have seen that, if we make the efforts, if we are united ..."

"The players have realized that we have a talented team but that we do not play together. With this state of mind, we can do great things," said Juninho.

OL praise the qualities of a regained cohesion, of his "great strength of character" which could lead him to new exploits, as explained by Lopes. After the defeat against PSG, he only has one Champions League coronation left to be European next season.

"We cannot be taken away from believing in it and moving forward together," concluded the Portuguese international goalkeeper.

© 2020 AFP