L’OL Confronted with Major Challenges Ahead of PSG Match

In the opening phase of the season, OL enjoyed some favorable conditions despite offseason uncertainties about their future in Ligue 1. Coach Paulo Fonseca and his team managed to rally and catch their opponents off guard. However, recent weeks have seen a decline in their fortunes. A lack of depth and quality has become apparent, highlighted by disappointing results against Toulouse, Nice, and a 3-3 draw with Paris, which felt like a loss after leading by three goals.

OL would likely perform better if they could keep all eleven players on the field longer. Injuries and suspensions are taking a toll on their squad, particularly as they prepare to face PSG. “We have suspensions for Hateboer and Abner, plus Pavel (Sulc) is injured with a hamstring issue and won’t be available for the match. Coco (Tolisso) trained today but it was a tactical session without intensity. We’ll see tomorrow if he’s ready, but I have doubts. It’s risky to play him, and I don’t want to take the chance of losing him for future matches,” Fonseca expressed in a press conference.

Who Will Score for OL?

Tomorrow, OL will almost certainly be without their top scorer Sulc (5 goals in Ligue 1) and their versatile captain (4 goals) due to a hamstring issue. Additionally, Malick Fofana and Ernest Nuamah remain sidelined with injuries. This situation is far from ideal as they face the league leaders, who are also missing several key players (Nuno Mendes, Hakimi, Dembélé, Doué). “This doesn’t change anything for us; we know the quality of PSG’s players. Other quality players will step up. Hakimi and Nuno Mendes are among the best full-backs in the world. Naturally, their absences will make a difference, but it doesn’t alter PSG’s intentions or style of play,” Fonseca noted.

The reigning champions will field a revamped lineup, especially in defense, where they have struggled early in the season. Unfortunately, OL needs to reinvent their attacking strategy without their main scorers. “Our main issue is converting opportunities,” Clinton Mata emphasized during the press conference. “We need to be bolder, shoot more, and take risks. We’re getting to the box, but we’re not attempting enough. We ought to be free to take those chances, even if the ball goes wide or misses the target; the next one might go in.” Now is the time for players like Martin Satriano to seize their opportunity. “I’ve spoken to him about being more present in the box. To score, he needs to be there,” Fonseca reiterated. A clear message.