“Loss to Juve was happiest defeat of my career” claims Lyon manager Garcia

Lyon manager Rudi Garcia described his side’s loss against Juve, “ The happiest defeat of career” as Lyon booked their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter final. The match finished 2-1 at full time and the last 16 tie ended 2-2 aggregate. Lyon’s Memphis Depay earned the French side an important away goal from the penalty spot in the 12^th minute.

Garcia on Lyon

In a post-match Interview Rudi Garcia told the Sky Sports Italia, “It’s one of the most satisfying moments of my career and getting past Juventus really is an exploit. The penalty we conceded just before half-time hurt us, Juve hadn’t been that dangerous until then and it gave them confidence. Ronaldo then scored that real Champions League level goal, but we stayed calm and that was what I appreciated the most about my team.”

“We didn’t panic, we kept plugging away and everyone contributed to keeping the ball. It was tough for Juve to do better without Paulo Dybala, but we proved that we have a strong defense, as we also held out Paris Saint-Germain for 120 minutes in the cup last week. I know this stadium, I came here with Roma, so I know how tough it is to win here. Let’s just say this is the happiest defeat of my career.”

Lyon finished 7^th in Ligue 1 table as the top-flight French league ended early due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Garcia on his side’s achievement

“I realize the achievement that we did. I know where we are today, because I’ve been here a few times with AS Roma. Playing against Juve is not only the best club in Italy, but also a team that wanted to win the Champions League. They also have an alien in their team. We saw him again tonight. Despite that, we were very good in the first half,” later added Garcia.

Lyon have qualified for the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals against Manchester City. Lyon progressed to the quarterfinals due to away goals.“I’m happy for my players, for my president and for Juni. We wanted to be in Lisbon and we are there. I am proud for our supporters and for Lyon. What did I tell my players? That there was a game to prepare for next Saturday. It will come quickly. It will continue. We must not stop there. We will remain outsiders and that suits us well,” also added Garcia.

Now Lyon will face English powerhouse Manchester City in UEFA Champion League Quarterfinals.

Also Read: ‘I work to be like Ronaldo’: Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus