‘We lacked emotional balance’ – Paulo Fonseca explains Lyon collapse at Old Trafford
Paulo Fonseca believes Lyon “lacked emotional balance” after taking a 4-2 lead against Manchester United and pointed to their celebrations as reason why they collapsed to a 5-4 extra-time loss in a remarkable second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.
Having recovered from 2-0 down to level the match at 2-2 on the night and 4-4 on aggregate, Lyon seemed to be on the verge of a place in the semi-finals after a Rayan Cherki strike and a penalty from Alexandre Lacazette gave them a 4-2 lead on the night.
They took control of the tie despite having Corentin Tolisso sent off in the 89th minute of normal time.
But, after Lacazette’s spot-kick sparked delirious celebrations, Lyon spectacularly failed to see out the game. Bruno Fernandes’ penalty gave United hope, before Kobbie Mainoo sent Old Trafford into raptures with a superbly taken equaliser.
Yet the highest drama came in the 121st minute when Harry Maguire, playing as a makeshift striker, headed home to complete a staggering comeback and send Lyon tumbling out 7-6 on aggregate.
Speaking after the game, a bewildered Fonseca told a press conference: “It is a mix of emotions in my head. Until now, it is difficult to understand what happened.
“I think, first of all, we did magnificent things. We led 4-2 with one player less on the pitch but we celebrated the 4-2 too much when the match was not finished.
“I think that we lacked emotional balance at this moment. It is the only negative that I can identify. We celebrated the 4-2 when there was still time to play.
“We should have thought about continuing to manage the match. We lacked experience at this moment. I am sad because I thought we deserved more.”
Malick Fofana, who won the penalty converted by Lacazette, echoed the sentiments of his coach.
“I think that everyone is disappointed because we played a very good match but in the end, it wasn’t enough,” said Fofana.
“I think we eased off a bit. We thought it was over but big matches are like that – they are never over. In the end, we have to expect more from ourselves, especially in matches like that. I think it is a match that I won’t forget.”
