Michel Der Zakarian: Brest’s Coach Post-Match Press Conference
Initial Reactions and Regrets
"We didn’t want to end the adventure this way… We wanted to compete against this team, but they were clearly superior, and they had more fortune on their side as well… When you don’t have the football gods with you against a team like this, it’s tough to make an impact. The heavy defeat hurts, but I focus on the journey of my team."
Regarding the starting lineup, Der Zakarian stated, "Regrets? No. As a coach, you have convictions, not certainties because that’s always dangerous. I was convinced that we could get a result with this team. And there were some last-minute issues, like Ludovic Ajorque who had a lumbago and couldn’t play, or at least not at 100%. It was a bit complicated this evening… But those who played tried their best, but it wasn’t enough to beat this great PSG team."
Pierre Lees-Melou’s Comments on Canal+
Der Zakarian responded to Pierre Lees-Melou’s comments, "A professional fault? Players are always a bit emotional after matches. I don’t share that analysis. Fear for the future? The important thing is what will happen tomorrow (Thursday). There will be some decompression, but we have great things to play for. We have to bounce back. We have no choice but to work hard and try to perform well next weekend. When you’re a high-level athlete, you have to know how to pick yourself up when you fall. That’s what will be important for the rest of the season."
PSG’s Chances against Barcelona or Liverpool in the Round of 16
"Yes, clearly, Paris will have a good chance. They want to win the Champions League, and you have to beat the big teams to do that. It will be a great test. I was impressed by Barça when we played them (a 0-3 defeat at Guingamp in the first round, NDLR), but even more by PSG in recent weeks. Liverpool are very strong, but they haven’t faced a team as strong as PSG yet."
Desire to Return to European Competition
"It should be a motivation for the players. What they experienced was quite unique in this competition, it should be something positive and an extra motivation to get back there. Now, it’s about getting results, starting this weekend. The Coupe de France is another competition. To get back to Europe, they will have to bounce back and perform well very quickly."
What He Wants People to Remember
"They will remember what they want. For the Brest fans and supporters, it will be a season etched in their memories. Who could have imagined, a year ago, that we would be talking about an elimination in the Champions League playoffs… We would have been laughed at. The fans wanted to celebrate their players at the end of the match despite the score. The image we left? That’s up to each individual. Deep down, it will be engraved in our memories. Supporters and football lovers have their own image of what we have left. We represented France well and brought a lot of hope, that’s a source of pride."
Best Memory
"Difficult to say, it’s a global experience. Great moments, others that were painful, that’s high-level sport. There are teams that win more than others, it’s better to be PSG’s coach at the moment (smiles). It’s part of the adventure, great moments and others that are more complicated. I remember the adventure as a whole with the players, the club, the staff, the city, the fans…"
The Rest of the Season
"Proud to still be in the Coupe de France and Ligue 1? It’s not a source of pride. It was our goal to stay in the competitions for as long as possible. In Ligue 1, we want to get back to where we belong if we want to achieve something at the end of the season. It will require a good result this weekend. The Coupe de France will be upon us soon too. We need to get through this round and look ahead to the semi-finals, but Dunkerque is a good team. It will be tough. Step by step, starting with the next league match."
