Laurent Koscielny, captain of the Girondins de Bordeaux, discusses the team’s recent performance, tactical approaches, and the uncertainties surrounding the club as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Laurent, reflecting on Saturday’s match against Bergerac, a National 2 team, do you think Bordeaux could have done better?
Laurent Koscielny: Of course, we can always do better. It was a good match to get back into shape and allowed us to reconnect with the game after a long break. The match helped us integrate the physical work from our preparation into live play. That said, we could have been sharper technically, quicker in our sequences, and created more scoring opportunities.
We saw a three-man defense during both halves. Is this a system you feel comfortable with?
LK: We finished last season using this system, and now we’re starting the preseason with it as well. However, there are still a lot of uncertainties about how we’ll approach this season tactically. It’s definitely an option we can explore during the campaign, and it has the potential to be an interesting scheme depending on the circumstances.
With the current challenges the club is facing, are you able to stay focused?
LK: Playing again helps. It’s great to be back on the pitch and to have a bit of an audience. That atmosphere, those shared emotions with the fans, is what we play for. But until we get the final decision from the DNCG (France’s financial watchdog for football clubs), there’s a lot of waiting.
We’re all hoping for quick clarity because the league starts on August 7, and this uncertainty affects everyone. We’re asking ourselves a lot of questions: What will the club’s future look like? Which players will stay? What’s the plan with the coach? There’s a sense of impatience, but we’re looking forward to Monday. Hopefully, we can close this chapter and start fresh.
How are the players managing during this uncertain period?
LK: It’s a challenging time, no doubt, but we’re trying to stay focused and do our jobs as professionals. We’ve been through demanding preparations, and the team is determined to be ready regardless of the circumstances. Still, everyone’s looking for answers.
What’s your perspective as captain as you navigate these challenges?
LK: It’s about staying grounded and keeping the group united. I try to set an example by staying positive and focused on what we can control. The passion and commitment we bring to training and matches are things we can build on, regardless of the external challenges.