Jonatan Giráldez looks back on the start of the season in the Arkema Première Ligue and the Women’s Champions League and discusses the atmosphere in the team.
Sports Results
Coach, we saw a great victory over Paris SG last Saturday. How would you rate the team’s performance?
« We played an incredible game at the Parc des Princes; this is our best match against Paris. We played the kind of soccer and showed the kind of character that I want to see all season long. The team controlled the game and remained consistent throughout. The players who came off the bench also made a huge contribution. Playing a game right after the international break, with little time to prepare, is never easy. However, I’d rather focus on the excellent performance the team delivered. We’ll need to approach our next games the same way we did this one.»
You currently have 15 points from 5 league games played. What are your initial thoughts on the season so far?
« I think the team is performing very well; our level of play is better than it was at the start of last season. There were a lot of new players and staff members last year, and sometimes it takes a little time to adjust. Still, I don’t think the team is playing at its best yet. We can still improve even more, and that will largely depend on maintaining our current mindset. But the overall picture is positive. We’ve scored a lot, but there are many talented players who can do even better—that will be the challenge in the coming weeks. »
In addition to scoring a lot of goals, you currently have the best defense in the league, having allowed only three goals. Is keeping a clean sheet a goal for every game?
« In every game, the challenge is to create as many scoring chances as possible for ourselves; this naturally prevents the opposing team from creating their own chances and putting us in a tough spot. In my opinion, a clean sheet demonstrates the team’s consistency on both offense and defense—it’s the result of a collective effort. I often talk about maintaining a high level of concentration throughout the game, and we’re always working on that to improve game after game. »
In European competition, with one win and one draw, how do you plan to approach the rest of the group stage?
What we’ve done so far isn’t enough; we need to step up our game. We have to approach every match with the mindset of always wanting to do better—tactically, mentally, and physically. We’ll host Inter Milan on Wednesday, October 28, at Groupama Stadium. It will be a tough match against a team that’s in good form, but I know the team will be ready.
Team Management
As mentioned earlier, this is your second year leading the team—do you find it easier now?
« Of course, the first hurdle I faced the previous year was the language barrier. It was harder to adjust when working with players who didn’t speak English or Spanish. I also didn’t know the players personally when I arrived, and for the most part, I had never worked with them before. Today, all of that is easier because I know them better, I speak the language better, and we’re developing a shared vision of the game on the field. »
The season is long, and it’s going to get even more intense as the Lyonnes enters new competitions. How do you manage to keep the entire relevant roster in top form?
« I try to talk to each of the players every week; it’s very important to hear their thoughts. It’s also essential to maintain healthy competition among them. The players give their all, and those who deserve it most start the game. However, the season is packed, and just like last year, we’ll need to rotate the roster extensively to keep the team competitive. That’s also why it’s important to have a roster like ours, which is full of talented players. »
This year, we’re seeing the return of Julie Swierot, Wassa Sangare, and Liana Joseph, who is gradually coming back from a long-term injury. How would you describe their contribution so far this season?
« Julie and Wassa were both key players for Nantes and the London City Lionesses, respectively, last year. Playing here is different, especially when it comes to the relationships between the players, because their individual profiles aren’t the same. Wassa recently played a very high-level match against Paris. Julie is getting plenty of playing time and will be an important player for us, as well as for her national team. They need to maintain the level of play they’ve shown so far, while continuing to improve. For Liana, it’s a little different—she’s actually coming back from a long-term injury. I don’t want to put pressure on her to perform at her best right away. She needs to get back into the rhythm first so she can help the team as much as possible. That said, she’s a player in whom I have great confidence. »
Speaking of comebacks, we’ve seen Giovanna Waksman gradually return to team practice. Is she a player you’re looking forward to seeing in action?
« Giovanna is a player I really like, and I’ve had the chance to work with her before in the United States. She needs to gradually regain her confidence. I’m not going to expect her to perform at her best right from day one. She’s a talented player who will be very important to the team, but she needs to take the time to get back to her usual level. »
The team was bolstered this summer with the arrivals of Mala Grohs, Salma Paralluelo, Caroline Weir, and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. How would you assess their integration both on and off the field?
« Mala settled in very quickly, even though she didn’t play much last year. She’s already had the chance to play in important matches with us and has put in some very good performances. With Salma, it’s a little different—she’s a player I already knew very well. She has a great ability to make a difference in the final meters. Plus, she can play different roles and positions on the field. I’m happy with her performances, but I still think she hasn’t quite reached her peak yet. As for Caroline, she had an incredible preseason. Unfortunately, she’s had some physical issues in recent weeks. She’s a spectacular player, and I can’t wait to see her play more consistently with the team. Finally, it’s important to be there for “Jojo” (Johanna), because she suffered a serious injury in the first few weeks. We’re here to help her and support her through the recovery process. »
