Lyon supporters, if you hoped that the fatal errors of Thiago Mendes, Wednesday in Lorient (4-1) would push Peter Bosz to no longer see him as a central defender, you will be disappointed.
The Brazilian midfielder, converted to OL since the spring, was certainly replaced at half-time in Brittany, but he was again ardently defended by his coach, this Friday at a press conference.
Peter Bosz does not budge: “Did Thiago Mendes play badly?
Yes, he made individual fouls.
But he can play well in this position.
With him, we conceded few goals and conceded few chances”.
Jérôme Boateng could return after the match in Monaco
In Lorient, the former Lille resident was directly involved in the first two goals, while two previous balls from him had already cost his team dearly last season at Lens (1-1) and against Losc (0-1 ).
The 30-year-old has always played in midfield, until he crossed paths with Peter Bosz.
But he is counting on Thiago Mendes behind, and he could still establish him on Sunday (8:45 p.m.) in Monaco.
"I don't understand why he didn't play simpler at Lorient, but that has nothing to do with the idea that he is a defensive midfielder rather than a central defender, insists the Dutch coach, who will return fully Jérôme Boateng [recovered from a muscle injury] in collective training from Monday.
And then it's too easy to just look at him because he made a mistake.
Other defenders did as well on Wednesday.
Believe me guys, he's a very good player who doesn't make mistakes like that in general.
So, convinced?
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Olympique Lyonnais (OL)
peter bosz