'These goals give me confidence' Martin Satriano steps up on a special night for Lyon
Martin Satriano’s reaction after Lyon’s victory over Nantes said as much about his journey this season as the goals themselves. The Uruguayan, who had yet to score in Ligue 1 McDonald’s before Matchday 14, delivered a decisive double and spoke openly about what the moment meant to him.
“These two goals give me confidence,” Satriano said immediately after the match. “It’s not easy for a striker when you don’t score, but I never stopped working and the goals came.”
His first finish — an improvised touch from a Pavel Sulc lay-off — ended a run of 17 league matches without scoring. The second, a composed outside-of-the-boot effort, reflected the ease that returned to his game once the drought was broken.
Finally breaking the duct
Satriano admitted the relief was personal as much as professional. “I’m very happy for the victory and for these goals. It was the club’s anniversary and we had the obligation to win,” he said. “I always had the confidence of the team and the coach. That helps a lot.”
He revealed that Paulo Fonseca spoke with him the day before the match — a conversation he credits with settling his mindset. “He reassured me, told me to stay calm, that he was satisfied with my work and that the goal would arrive,” Satriano explained. “When you work, things happen.”
The striker also underlined the role of supporters during a difficult period. “They never let me down, even when we won 6–0 in Europe and I didn’t score,” he said. “I thank them for that.”
Inside the squad, Satriano’s perseverance has long been respected. “He never abandoned anything,” captain Corentin Tolisso said after the match. “This is deserved. It will free him.”
Assistant coach Jorge Maciel pointed out that Satriano’s contribution extends beyond goals:
“Everyone will remember the two goals, but I remember his recovery at 1–0. He gives everything.”
The reception he received when substituted — a standing ovation from Groupama Stadium — capped a night built around effort, patience and finally reward. Satriano, smiling, ended his interview with a line that reflected both pride and normality.
“Celebrate? No, I have to wake up early for the kids,” he joked.
For a player who has insisted he “never doubted”, this felt like a performance that justified the belief he kept repeating — in his work, in his coach, and in himself.
READ MORE:
>>Florian Thauvin 'not getting carried away' as he fires Lens top
