New Lyon boss Rudi Garcia says his side is fully focused on Saturday’s visit of Dijon and not Wednesday’s clash with Benfica. Les Gones head to Lisbon in the Champions League on Wednesday to take on Benfica, but Garcia isn’t thinking about the European date just yet.
Lyon lost to derby rivals Saint-Etienne prior to the international break and sit in 14th spot in Ligue 1 ahead of Dijon’s visit.
Garcia feels it is vital his side develop a winning mentality and he has urged them to down struggling Dijon before they turn their focus to Benfica. “There must be a hate of defeat, and we must play to win. It starts Saturday against Dijon,” he told reporters on Thursday.
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“We have to win, we will do everything. We are at home and to win we will have to put some desire and determination in. We are only focused on this match in Dijon. Benfica, we will wait until Sunday, I want my players to be a real team.”
Saturday’s game against Dijon will be Garcia’s first match in charge of Lyon after replacing Sylvinho, who only joined the club in May but was dismissed after a poor start to the season.
Garcia’s appointment has divided the club’s fans due to the fact he was previously in charge of rivals Marseille and he is looking to hit the ground running by seeing off Dijon on Saturday.
Lyon may be struggling domestically but have enjoyed a strong start in Europe and sit second in Champions League Group G with four points from two games, level with current leaders Zenit St Petersburg.
