Lille v PSG: Genesio on disappointment and defensive decision

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·6 October 2025

Lille v PSG: Genesio on disappointment and defensive decision

This Sunday, as part of the 7th day of Ligue 1 2025-2026, Paris Saint-Germain faced Lille at the Stade Pierre Mauroy. Bruno Genesio, coach of the Lille team, spoke at a press conference after the 1-1 draw (video summary Lille/PSG). He expressed regrets and explained his defensive choice.

Genesio "I like to see my team more ambitious"

"I did not enjoy this match, with few opportunities. We were serious defensively in the first half, but we lacked technical quality. The second half was closed, and we came back with players coming off the bench. It's a positive point, as well as the personality shown to come back to score. I am disappointed with the outcome of the match, even if there is a result at the end. I like to see my team more ambitious, especially in the first half. There was the possibility to do so.

Genesio "We chose to have three defensive midfielders because there were very good players in front."

The match played on Thursday may have weighed on us. We chose to have three defensive midfielders because there were very good players in front, and to try to cut off as much as possible the connections between their defense and their midfield. Then, we poorly managed the spaces and lacked technical quality. We are almost frustrated with this performance."

It is understandable that there is frustration on the Lille side. A draw against PSG is not a bad result, except that the Parisian team was depleted with the absence of 6 major players (all starters in the Champions League final: Marquinhos, Fabian Ruiz, João Neves, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué). There was a feeling that it was the moment to take points.

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Even though the entire PSG squad must be respected, as the "substitutes" and the young players showed certain qualities. It is still not the same level of adversity. And Lille could perhaps have taken advantage of it, as we saw some poorly managed situations. Maybe the Lille players were a bit "timid."

Genesio can regret it, but it is also he who chose a defensive approach. It's difficult to then blame the players for being "less ambitious." There was a bit of surprise facing the Parisian team, according to the Lille players. But everyone knew it would not be the best possible eleven, and the rotation was not shocking either. And, in any case, the defensive approach conditions the players. It's a shame, we like to see more ambition. Especially since PSG seemed to invite it.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.