Gutman and Puel share regrets
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
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Eli Gutman was full of pride after Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC came close to extending their European campaign only to be denied by Olympique Lyonnais, whose coach had his own disappointments.
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Olympique Lyonnais coach Claude Puel was content enough after his side struck late to earn a 2-2 draw against Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC and was instead left to rue earlier group stage results which hampered their chances of topping Group B. Hapoel finished at the other end of the section but were just two minutes from claiming a victory at Stade de Gerland which would have earned third place and a UEFA Europa League round of 32 berth.
Claude Puel, Lyon coach
There are regrets, especially regarding our failures in Benfica [4-3 loss on Matchday 4] and at Schalke a fortnight ago [3-0 defeat]. We created opportunities and when you don't finish the job, one goal from your opponent can ruin the night. Fortunately Schalke won and this draw has no repercussions.
We lacked skill and aggression and we were also up against a very good goalkeeper. There is much disappointment, but it comes more from the previous two games. Now I feel we have a strong, focused squad, and I'm confident we'll show our true value in the second part of the season.
Eli Gutman, Hapoel coach
We were a step away from a massive upset. A lot of teams have failed here: Lyon reached the Champions League semi-finals last year. They are an amazing side but we have improved in every game we have played. We are Hapoel Tel-Aviv, representing Israel, but if you walk into the dressing room right now, you will not find happy faces celebrating a draw in Lyon, but ones disappointed to have dropped two points.
My players performed really well and we scored a goal I'm certain will rank as one of the best in the Champions League. Eran Zahavi, who else? We are proud but disappointed as Schalke beat Benfica at the same time. That late goal cost us so dearly.
