Lacombe silences Paris resistance
Thursday, January 5, 2006
Article summary
Guy Lacombe made a successful start as Paris Saint-Germain FC coach last night despite some hostility from sections of the home Parc des Princes crowd.
Article body
Convincing win
In Lacombe's first league game since replacing Laurent Fournier, PSG started 2006 with a convincing 3-1 home win against Lacombe's previous side, FC Sochaux-Montbéliard, last night to lift them to second place in the table - their best position since 22 October.
Satisfactory position
The winner of tonight's Ligue 1 game between AJ Auxerre and AS Monaco FC would push PSG back down to third place, but considering the discord prompted by club president Pierre Blayau's controversial decision to dismiss Fournier on 27 December, that would be a satisfactory position.
'Weak points'
"I saw three nice goals but also some weak points we need to improve on," said Lacombe, whose side recovered after Badara Sène cancelled out Christophe Landrin's opener with second-half goals from Fabrice Pancrate - a player not often used by Fournier - and Pauleta.
Angry supporters
It was a relief for Lacombe who has been surprised by the intensity of media pressure and supporter discontent following his appointment. Renegade fans turned up to boo him at his first PSG training session and banners giving their backing to Fournier were visible at the Parc des Princes last night.
Shared credit
The new coach was keen to calm the waters and give credit to his predecessor after last night's win. "I must thank fans for their support," said a relaxed Lacombe. "I understand the way they feel and the way Lolo [Laurent Fournier] felt. This win is also his win."
'A new season'
Having made no secret of his aim to see PSG competing in the UEFA Champions League next season, Blayau also pronounced himself satisfied with Lacombe's opening match. "PSG have started a new season," he said. "We can do nothing without the fans' support and I am working to secure that on behalf of the club."
Calmer waters
With his first major obstacle behind him, Lacombe was delighted to report that he had "nothing to worry about for three days". PSG's French Cup tie against amateur side FC Vermelles this weekend is regarded as a formality. Lacombe's next big test comes in a league game at AS Nancy-Lorraine next week.
