Davide Ancelotti did not sidestep the reaction after Lille's 1-0 derby win over Lens. Speaking to Foot Mercato after the Lille vs Lens match, he said, "We are at the start of a job and it is complicated to find the right balance and have continuity. It is normal that there are criticisms, I experience them in a balanced way."
Lille's balance and midfield choices
The win came thanks to Olivier Giroud's goal in the 86th minute, but Ancelotti spent most of his post-match comments on the structure behind it. He said, "We have been on the right path for two or three matches and the team gives me a lot of confidence."
His main positive was the Mukau-Bentaleb-André midfield trio. Ancelotti said there is always a balance to find, but added that the interpretation of the positions by everyone was very good. He also said Nabil Bentaleb and Benjamin André have improved in physical condition and can keep the rhythm through the whole match.
That is the part Lille can point to after a derby that stayed tight until the end. Lille are 2nd in Ligue 1 on 18 points after 9 matches, and the coach's message was not that the job is finished. It was that the side is moving in the right direction while still working out the balance.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →
