Alexandre Lacazette: "Marquinhos is my toughest opponent"
Legends
Named captain of Thierry Henry's Olympic team, ahead of tonight's matchup, we caught up with Olympique Lyonnais striker Alexandre Lacazette:
Your favorite goal?
My 99th for OL, against Nice! Because my first touch of the ball was incredible... I received a long ball and I controlled it with my left foot, and turned around to find myself facing the goalkeeper in one touch. It only happens once in a lifetime to score a goal like that...
Your best memory?
My hat-trick against Saint-Étienne during my last derby at the Stade Gerland (2015/16)! I joined OL at 11 years old and I was always told that if there was a match to win, it was the derby. I grew up with this idea of always having to beat Saint-Étienne, among young people and in Ligue 1! Having the chance to score a hat-trick in the derby was incredible! I remember another hat-trick, during the last match of the 2015/2016 season against AS Monaco. We had to win to qualify for the Champions League and I managed to score a hat-trick (6-1). The Groupama Stadium was on fire!
Your worst memory?
I don’t remember what season it was exactly but we were in the fight for the title and we lost to PSG at home, which ended our chances…
Your favorite teammate?
Nabil Fekir! Even though he had a knee injury and had to have surgery, he was always so powerful and technical... He has such talent. When we both played in front or Nabil played right behind me, we had a lot of fun. What he has managed to do with Real Betis in recent years is incredible.
The toughest opponent?
Marquinhos… He’s an intelligent defender. He is not particularly strong or physically impressive but he is intelligent. And it’s harder to play against intelligent defenders than tough ones!
Your favorite coach?
Bruno Genesio. He was a coach who really had confidence in me, who believed in me, and who allowed me to play liberated. All my coaches counted because they all made me play but Bruno was the one who allowed me to become a different player.
The best atmosphere?
During the victory against Monaco (6-1)… And away, I would say the Vélodrome. For my first match there, it was sold out and it was the first time that I couldn't hear my teammates on the pitch because it was so noisy.
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