Michel Der Zakarian impressed by Montpellier’s tactical display in draw against Nice

Hérault Coach Michel Der Zakarian Praises Team’s Tactical Rigor in Draw Against Nice

By Hugues Sionis, in Montpellier

Published on November 11, 2023 at 12:12 a.m.

“Do you have any regrets after this match?”

No, we had a well-executed tactical game plan. Our defensive performance was solid, and we also made attempts to attack effectively. Although our crosses in the first half lacked quality, Akor Adams had a great shot that unfortunately hit the post. He also had a good chance with his head in the second half. Overall, there are many positives to take from this match. We played the right way, and if Nice didn’t trouble us much, it’s because of our strong defensive display.

Did your players show the desired intensity?

Absolutely, they deserve praise for their efforts. We faced a formidable opponent and put up a strong fight. It’s just unfortunate that we couldn’t find the bit of luck needed to secure a victory.

“When you play against top teams, you need to be on point, and we were,” Der Zakarian emphasized.

Satisfaction with the defensive performance

Our defense performed admirably despite undergoing changes. They maintained good control, positioning themselves well and using their speed effectively against the opposition. They also reacted well when the ball was loose. It’s an encouraging display, and our discipline was commendable.

Importance of tactical intelligence against Nice

We were aware that Nice tries to draw you in and exploit the space behind. They can be a frustrating team to play against. To defeat them, you need to be tactically astute, intelligent, and avoid making foolish mistakes. We were also cautious of their threat from set pieces. However, we defended admirably in those situations as well. When facing top teams, punctuality is crucial, and we delivered,” Der Zakarian explained.

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