RLB PRE TOFFEES

Regis Le Bris was happy with what he saw against Manchester United last week and is hoping for the same again on Sunday, when the Lads head to the Hill Dickinson stadium for our final away game of the season.

MAN U PLAYSTYLE

“It’s a dynamic in the season. It’s not always easy to maintain the same level because it is about momentum, ours and the opponents as well. I’m really pleased by this end to the season. Even if we didn’t win (against Man Utd) we created three big chances, conceded only one chance at the end. It could have been a defeat because football is like that, it’s relentless, but overall I’m really pleased with the performance of the squad because we showed improvements in many areas. Still strong out of possession with the ability to press high, to control the opponent in the mid block and protect our goal. With the ball we were really good and it means we are improving, it’s not just a question of key moments in the season. We are working hard and the level of the squad is getting better. It was a small reward against Manchester United but it shows us that the end product is a gamechanger. That’s probably the next step now, we have two games to solve this problem. Overall, that is also the direction of our project.”

HIGH TEMPO FOOTBALL

“It is a balance and it is always connected with the opponent. But the way we played (against United) was really well-connected with the identity of the club and the evolution of the team, with at times more control but also the ability to create chances and to accelerate when it’s on. Being consistent with big energy out of possession as well.”

ENERGY DROPPING LATER IN THE GAME

“It was demanding. Manchester United were good. We controlled the main part of the game but it was obvious just with a small drop in quality, with decision making or less composure for example, they quickly got their opportunities. It is the Premier League so at this level it’s about being at 100% all the time. When you drop, you feel the threat immediately and this was the case. After that, it is the end of the season and we can understand that it’s not easy to maintain the level over 100 minutes.”

EVERTON

“They are a good team, intense, direct, good in transition, well-organised, with strong experience in the Premier League and the atmosphere is really good at their stadium. We are looking forward to it because it’s going to be a big game once again. I think it’s really positive to conclude this season with a new challenge at that level.”

HILL DICKINSON STADIUM

“It is a good stadium. A new stadium but still with this atmosphere. It’s not always easy to keep the identity of a club with a new stadium but I think they’ve found a good solution.”

MOYES

“Consistency at that level is the key point. If you can stay manager throughout different experiences over many years then it shows your quality and your ability to manage different problems and environments. To keep the energy as well, because it’s really demanding. So, well done to him.”

FINAL SEASON MOTIVATION

“We want to win the next game. I think if you start to look too far ahead, it is a distraction. You can speak with your friends or the fans and think it is normal, because it is about ambition, but our job is to stay focused on the game plan, on the problems you have to fix in real time, opportunities you might take. If you’re thinking about something else, it is a distraction. It’s important to stay focused and to keep this energy and this ambition on the game. I think it was the case against United, I hope it will also be the case against Everton and against Chelsea for the last game.”