Fonseca’s Bold Bet on Ghezzal and Kluivert Yields Mixed Results

This Sunday, Olympique Lyonnais faced Paris Saint-Germain in an eagerly awaited match at Groupama Stadium. With several key players missing due to injuries or suspensions, Lyon entered the match against the reigning European champions with a significantly altered lineup. Coach Paulo Fonseca had to make strategic decisions, including starting Rachid Ghezzal and Ruben Kluivert in unexpected roles.

Mixed Performances from Kluivert and Ghezzal

Both players had faced criticism since their arrival at Lyon, and they were placed in unusual positions. Ghezzal, returning to his hometown, played as a false number 9, while Kluivert started as a right-back against world-class Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Despite low expectations, neither player had disastrous performances. Ghezzal showed some promise, making efforts to get involved but struggled to create impactful plays before being substituted in the 64th minute for Adam Karabec.

Kluivert’s match was more challenging. Overwhelmed in the first half, he improved after halftime, showcasing his speed in defensive plays. However, his body language and decision-making suggested he is not yet ready to be a reliable starter at Lyon. Nevertheless, both players’ performances caught the coaching staff’s attention positively.

Jorge Maciel and Matthieu Louis-Jean Praise the Players

Jorge Maciel, Fonseca’s assistant, explained the rationale behind starting Ghezzal and Kluivert. He appreciated their contributions, stating: “It was a choice based on available players. Rachid can make a difference by attracting defenders or creating space. Defensively, he helped cut passes. We also wanted Ruben to strengthen our midfield and manage the threats from Kvara and Barcola. The outcome was very positive. Ruben performed his best match with us, winning duels and effectively contributing.”

Matthieu Louis-Jean echoed similar sentiments, congratulating the team while expressing frustration with refereeing. He remarked: “I want to congratulate the team. We saw a great performance from Olympique Lyonnais tonight. The coach also did a great job. The team created problems for PSG.” However, reactions on social media diverged, with some appraising their efforts positively while others remained critical. Ghezzal received a lower rating compared to Kluivert, whose stronger finish to the match sparked hope among fans. In summary, Fonseca’s choices yielded mixed results.