Claude Puel : “Hold on despite the inconveniences“

Was the international break beneficial for ASSE?

It allowed us to talk even if we experienced some inconvenience due to the snow, the absences of international players and some injuries. It was certainly a break, but it wasn’t all restful. Our work was focused on certain essential details in order to reach our peak level of performance. Everything is important, from recuperation to the quality of the training sessions. We need to be ready psychologically to play consecutive matches.

Is the turnover one of the keys of your success?

We try to interest all the players and we show them that everything is possible. We opened the team to the youths. Many clubs would be having trouble in our current situation. The challenge for the team is to remain competitive despite the inconveniences.

Do these factors make you more indulgent in regards of the content of your team’s matches?

I have always been indulgent (he smiles) but I’m demanding on a daily basis. We look at everything: daily investment, rest, hydration, nutrition and there is also a new level of intensity in the matches or at the training sessions. All the indicators show it. There are many small details for which this team maybe wasn’t prepared. Every day, we ensure that we develop the quality of our performance, our solidarity and our great desire to work together. I appreciate the effort that the players make and their state of mind. The whole group is involved.

What is your analysis of your 6-match undefeated streak in Ligue 1 Conforama?

I make sure we don’t get carried away but, sometimes, it’s also good to observe the stubbornness of the team in regards of achieving victory. Returning at 6 in the morning from a tie game in Ukraine and winning three days later in Nantes was exceptional. It’s great to see the team overcome the problems associated with the injuries that we encounter. No one looks too much at the problems that accompany our results. We’re moving in the right direction but our challenge is to hold on despite the hazards. It’s not easy because this is a team that was not prepared psychologically to play every three days. Only the experienced players have experienced this rhythm. We expend a lot of energy but that’s our challenge. The only match that counts, is the next one. We do not look beyond that.

Exactly, what do you think of Montpellier, your adversary this Sunday (5 pm) in the Cauldron?

It’s a team that plays a straightforward game that tries to very quickly get to their opponents’ net. We’re in for a tough match but we must be able to adapt to any game style.

Since your arrival, you’ve opted for a system with three central defenders, which is not the one that you prefer. Why?

It’s a strategy that we’ve been obliged to adopt but everyone finds it interesting. We’ve managed to give the players points of reference and we are constantly trying to improve it. This system can be very offensive or very defensive, everything depends on the players that use it.