19.08.2026 00:50
Lyon head coach Paulo Fonseca, speaking after the Fenerbahce match, said, 'We put on a very positive performance. I think we had a near-perfect match. We played against a very big team. Fenerbahce is truly a great team made up of wonderful players.'
French side Lyon drew 1-1 with Fenerbahce away in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off round. Following the match, Lyon head coach Paulo Fonseca made statements at the press conference.
''THE ATMOSPHERE WAS INCREDIBLE''
Evaluating the match, Paulo Fonseca said, “Our team really put on a good performance. The atmosphere was incredible and quite intense. Lyon played a brave game. We had a very positive match. I think we played a near-perfect game.''
''FENERBAHCE IS A GREAT TEAM''
Continuing his words, Fonseca said, “We played against a very big team. Fenerbahce is truly a great team made up of great players. We tried to control the game. We put on a near-perfect defensive performance.”
''A VERY BIG PLAYER''
Evaluating Luis Openda's performance, Fonseca said, “I am extremely happy with Luis's performance. He worked very hard for the team. He is an extremely valuable player for Lyon. We are very pleased. He is a very big player. He will become an even more important player in the future.”
''FENERBAHCE FAVOURITES''
The experienced coach, who stated that they played a good game despite not winning, said, “The ideal score would of course have been to win. That wasn't possible. We faced a team that was clearly the favourite. Fenerbahce still remains the favourite. I am satisfied. I think we put on a good performance.”
''WE WILL CREATE THE SAME ATMOSPHERE''
Stating that they will create an atmosphere similar to the one in Kadikoy in their own stadium, Fonseca said, “I expect such an environment. Our stadium will also be full. We will create the same atmosphere. Our fans' support will be very important. We need to create an intense atmosphere just like here. We will have to fight until the last minute to advance to the league stage.”
''SOMETIMES THE FINAL TOUCHES WERE MISSING''
Expressing that they could not make the final touches in some positions, Paulo Fonseca said, “I don't think it was a match with many chances. We tried to control the ball in midfield. Sometimes the final touches were missing. Considering the chances Fenerbahce created, both sides seem similar to me. We had a shot that hit the post. We have 3 important shots.”