Paris FC’s pressing left Strasbourg chasing shadows for long stretches on Saturday, and Hugo Oliveira did not look for a way around the result. His side lost 2-1 in the fifth round of Ligue 1, with the Strasbourg coach conceding that the home team had been superior.
Oliveira said Strasbourg had expected Paris FC to start at high intensity, but were still unable to cope with the pressure during a difficult opening half.
Quick facts
- Paris FC beat Strasbourg 2-1 in Ligue 1’s fifth matchday.
- Hugo Oliveira said his Strasbourg team were second best before the interval.
- Nanasi had an opportunity after the break as Strasbourg improved.
- Paris FC scored their second goal shortly afterwards.
- Oliveira defended Samir El Mourabet after his error and accepted responsibility himself.
“The first half was very tough,” Oliveira said. “We were under major pressure from Paris FC. We knew they would be very strong from the beginning, and they were better than us.”
Strasbourg found more fluency after the restart and began to create links in possession. Nanasi had a chance, but the visitors’ lift was cut short when Paris FC struck again soon afterwards to establish their two-goal advantage.
Oliveira credited his players for continuing to compete and eventually scoring a consolation goal. He believes the difficult evening can still serve a purpose for a young squad learning the demands of Ligue 1.
“We did not give up and we managed to score,” he said. “Matches like this will help us develop because we really suffered. We were too nervous. My young players need to learn, particularly when they are under pressure.”
The Strasbourg coach nevertheless took a positive view of the opening run of fixtures before the international break. He also moved quickly to protect Samir El Mourabet, insisting the player should not be defined by his mistake.
“I have complete trust in him,” Oliveira said. “I hope he has the courage to make more mistakes, because that is how you improve. I am the only one at fault.”
For Oliveira, the key lesson was tactical as much as emotional. Strasbourg were unable to impose their intended plan against Paris FC’s aggressive work without the ball, and their coach said his own side must respond with greater bite.
“The way they pressed us and disrupted our plan means we should have been more aggressive,” he said.
