PSG Tolisso vows Lyon to stay top despite Europa loss
Corentin Tolisso, the injured captain of Olympique Lyon, will travel with his side to the Parco dei Principi on Monday, hoping to help maintain Lyon’s Ligue 1 lead after watching the club’s 2‑1 victory over PSG on 19 April, while the team rebounds from a 0‑3 Europa League defeat to Hoffenheim.
Last season’s win at Parco dei Principi
The 19 April triumph, secured by a 2‑1 scoreline at the Parco dei Principi, left the injured Tolisso praising the performance from his television set. He described the victory as a sign that Lyon can still challenge the French capital’s dominance. He said the team’s fluid attack and solid defence made the win convincing.
Tolisso also recalled the previous season’s exceptional display at the same venue, noting that his teammates ran from the first to the last second, giving 100 percent. He highlighted the tactical discipline that allowed Lyon to dominate possession throughout the match. He said the defensive solidity and tactical execution made the win memorable even though he was not on the pitch.
Europa League setback
The optimism is tempered by a recent 0‑3 loss to Hoffenheim in the Europa League, a defeat the French midfielder labelled as occurring under ‘the wrong conditions’ on Thursday. He warned against using that result as a reference point, insisting the team must put the setback into perspective. The defeat came on Thursday, just two days before the league clash with PSG.
His participation from the first minute is not assured; Tolisso said, ‘Per me, I hope to play tomorrow, we will see.’ He reiterated that his travel to the match is certain despite the uncertainty over his start. He confirmed the squad has prepared a specific plan, placing great confidence in coach Paulo Fonseca.
The captain urged the group to prepare mentally for being deprived of the ball, stressing that early sacrifices will be essential against the European champions. He warned that PSG will likely dominate possession, requiring Lyon to press aggressively. He believes that conditioning the mind now will make the match easier if the team stays disciplined.
Lyon sit level on points with PSG at the top of the Ligue 1 table, the French League’s leading spot, providing ‘supplementary motivation’, Tolisso said. He reminded teammates that past successes should not breed complacency. He added that whether first, second or fourth, the team must remain humble, analyse any defeats and recognise that no player thinks they have arrived.
The juxtaposition of a celebrated April win and a harsh Europa defeat underscores the fine line Lyon walk between confidence and caution, and Tolisso’s comments suggest the side will aim to translate past brilliance into a decisive performance at the Parco dei Principi.