Girard Reflects on Draw with Marseille and Stresses Fight for Third Place
LOSC Lille head coach René Girard expressed both frustration and determination following his side’s draw with Olympique de Marseille, highlighting a controversial incident early in the match and reinforcing his squad’s ambition to secure a podium finish in Ligue 1.
The match, which ended in a deadlock, was not without controversy. Early in the encounter, Lille defender Pape Souaré went down under pressure, prompting questions about whether a foul should have been awarded.
“I don’t believe there was a mistral blowing through the stadium tonight, and I certainly don’t think Souaré fell on his own,” Girard remarked pointedly, suggesting the incident warranted closer scrutiny. “These are significant moments in a match that can shape the outcome.”
Despite the missed opportunity to claim all three points, Girard praised his side’s resilience and unity as they aim to secure third place in the league, which would likely earn them a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League qualifiers.
“We lacked a bit of precision, particularly with our crossing, but we’re solid and strong as a team,” he said. “What’s encouraging is that everyone in the squad is fully committed to finishing this journey together.”
With only three fixtures remaining—home games against Bordeaux and Paris Saint-Germain, and an away trip to Bastia—Girard acknowledged the difficulty of the run-in but insisted his side remains focused.
“We’ve got a tough end to the season ahead of us. But if we maintain this mindset, then other teams will have to fight to take this place from us,” he said.
Lille currently occupy third spot in the Ligue 1 table, a position they are determined to defend. Girard emphasised that after a season of consistent effort and discipline, surrendering that position would be a bitter pill to swallow.
“We are on track with our objectives,” he said. “It would be a real shame to lose this third place, considering the season we’ve had. But nothing is guaranteed yet. There are still 12 points to fight for, and we will give everything to claim them.”
In closing, Girard paid tribute to his squad’s spirit and work ethic.
“I’m fortunate to be coaching an extraordinary group. We’ve come this far by staying true to ourselves—and we don’t owe anything to anyone.”
