Lisbon (AFP)

Lyon's sporting director Juninho greeted on Sunday the awareness and maturity of a group that has a series of exploits in the Champions League. Today, "we can beat any team", assures the Brazilian, even the great Bayern whom he faces Wednesday in the semifinals.

Q: Lyon beat two favorites for the title, Juventus in the 8th and Manchester City in the quarters (3-1), Saturday in Lisbon. How do you explain this epic?

A: "The group has matured a lot for a while. Not being able to finish the championship (stopped due to the pandemic, editor's note) was a blow to it. We knew we could do a lot better than seventh place. After the restart, the preparation was different. I felt that the players were much more mature, with the desire to work, to play for each other. Of course we had success. But we have also released a lot of energy. Talent comes after day-to-day work and collective spirit. For the semi-final, on a match, the mental preparation is easier. In a match, it is more difficult to 'be favorite. If we play like that, we can beat any team. "

Q: Bayern, which atomized FC Barcelona (8-2), seems even stronger ...

A: "Bayern gave us a lesson in football against Barça, in all areas: high pressing, possession, work without the ball ... Bayern has been an example for a long time, an inspiration. But If we look at the match, Barça had opportunities, before it unfolded. Barça lacked this aggressiveness, this humility. I think we will have to do more in these areas. Like everyone in football, j I was surprised by the result, by the domination of Bayern. There is quality everywhere. After that, you never lose before the match. We must continue the work, with humility. By Wednesday, physically, we will be very well. Then we'll see on the field. "

Q: Physically, Lyon have shown that they are in good shape, despite the long break. Why are OL doing so well?

A: "Our preparation at the start of the season, perhaps due to Sylvinho's lack of experience (sacked in October), was not good. We saw in the league a team that could not hold 90 minutes under high intensity. Today, we manage to do it. When I returned to the club after ten years (in 2019), the training pace surprised me. The training pace is the game. Our team was irregular , and there was not this collective soul that the supporters are asking for. The difference is the pace that has increased, the awareness of the attackers that must be defended too. These are simple things. We still have to progress. The big credit goes to Rudi (Garcia) and the staff, it is the awareness and maturity of the players. "

Interview during a press briefing

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