Juninho in Turin before Juventus-OL in the round of 16 second leg of the Champions League, August 6, 2020. - Nicolò Campo / Sipa USA / SIPA

Bayern, which has just stuck eight at Barça? Not even afraid. OL's sporting director Juninho appeared calm in front of the press at the end of the day on Sunday, sure of the quality of a group which has just released Juventus and Manchester City. Wednesday, on a match, all hopes are allowed.

Lyon have just beaten two favorites for the title. How do you explain this epic?

The group has matured a lot for a while. Not being able to finish the championship was a blow to him. We knew we could do a lot better than seventh place. After the recovery, 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 have had success. But we also released a lot of energy. Talent comes after day-to-day work and collective spirit. For the semi-final, in a match, mental preparation is easier. In a match, it's more difficult to be the favorite. If we play like that, we can beat any team.

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

Bayern gave us a lesson in football against Barça, in all areas: high pressing, possession, work without the ball… Bayern has long been an example, 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, I was surprised by the result, by the domination of Bayern. There is quality everywhere. After that, you never lose before the game. We must continue the work, with humility. Between now and Wednesday, physically, we'll be fine. After, we'll see on the ground.

Another feat for OL? After Juve and City, say hello to Bayern via @ 20minutesSport https://t.co/HQILl1SsnA

- 20 Minutes Sport (@ 20minutesSport) August 16, 2020

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

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 last 90 minutes under high intensity. Today, we manage to do it. When I returned to the club after ten years (in 2019), the pace of training surprised me. The pace of training is the game. Our team was irregular, and there wasn't that collective soul that the supporters are asking for. The difference is the pace that has increased, the awareness of the attackers that must also be defended. These are simple things. We still have to progress. The great credit goes to Rudi (Garcia) and the staff, it is the awareness and maturity of the players.

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